Privacy policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Quad County Weather LLC (“QCW,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you use quadcountyweather.com, our member and staff tools, QuatoCast, live coverage, alert signups, volunteer applications, and related services (collectively, the “Services”).

Last updated: June 10, 2026

1. Who this policy covers

This policy applies to visitors, members, alert subscribers, advertisers, volunteer applicants, and authorized staff or dispatch users of our Services. If you use an embedded QCW form on another website, the host site may have its own privacy practices in addition to ours.

2. Information we collect

Depending on how you use the Services, we may collect:

  • Contact and account information — name, email address, mobile phone number, username, password (stored in hashed form), and account preferences such as saved counties and notification settings.
  • Alert subscription data — counties you select, consent records, opt-in and opt-out timestamps, and message delivery metadata from our SMS providers.
  • User-submitted content — contact form messages, storm or closure reports, photos or attachments you upload, live chat messages, volunteer application answers, advertiser orders, and staff operational notes entered into authorized tools.
  • Location-related information — counties, cities, or coordinates you provide for forecasts, alerts, reports, or map features. We do not continuously track your device location unless you choose to share location in a form or report.
  • Technical and usage information — IP address, browser type, device type, pages viewed, timestamps, referral URLs, and server logs used for security, troubleshooting, and service reliability.
  • Staff and volunteer records — training progress, scheduling, HR-related information, and background-check consent where applicable for authorized roles.

3. Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies (small files stored by your browser) and similar browser storage (such as localStorage and sessionStorage) to operate the Services. We do not use third-party advertising or cross-site tracking cookies on our website at this time.

3.1 Cookies set by our servers

Name Purpose Duration
qcw_public_session Keeps public members and visitors signed in across pages without exposing the session identifier to page scripts (HttpOnly cookie). Up to 90 days, or until you sign out / we clear it
qcw_applicant_session Maintains your volunteer applicant login while you complete or return to an application (HttpOnly cookie). While your applicant session remains active, or until cleared

3.2 Browser storage used on your device

Our site scripts may store identifiers and preferences locally so features work reliably:

  • Member or staff session helpers (for example qcwPublicSessionId, qcwSession)
  • UI choices such as dismissed welcome prompts, live coverage prompts, or QuatoCast prompts
  • Advertiser portal session identifiers
  • Live chat conversation continuity within your browser session
  • Cookie notice acknowledgment (qcwCookieConsent)
  • Accessibility or feature preferences you enable in member or staff tools

You can clear cookies and site data through your browser settings. Some features may not work correctly if essential cookies or storage are blocked.

3.3 Third-party content that may set or read data

When you use maps, radar, fonts, or live media, your browser may contact third-party services. Those providers may receive technical information such as your IP address and requested resources:

  • Google Fonts — web fonts used for site typography
  • OpenStreetMap / CARTO — map tiles on alert and QuatoCast maps
  • RainViewer — radar imagery tiles on QuatoCast
  • National Weather Service — official weather and alert data APIs
  • Hosting and infrastructure providers — server, CDN, and security services that process requests to our site
  • SMS and communications providers — delivery of text alerts and related service messages when you opt in

4. How we use information

We use collected information to:

  • Provide weather alerts, forecasts, closures, QuatoCast, live coverage, maps, and member features you request
  • Create and manage accounts, subscriptions, volunteer applications, and authorized staff access
  • Respond to contact messages, storm reports, and community inquiries
  • Operate dispatch, incident logging, and internal coordination during weather events
  • Maintain security, prevent abuse, debug errors, and improve reliability
  • Comply with law, enforce our terms, and protect the rights and safety of users and the public
  • Send service-related messages you have requested (including SMS alerts when you opt in)

We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your information for unrelated third-party marketing.

5. When we share information

We may share information only as needed to operate the Services:

  • Service providers — hosting, SMS delivery, email, document generation, or other vendors that process data on our behalf under confidentiality obligations
  • Authorized volunteers and staff — for operational weather awareness, dispatch, training, and member support within their assigned roles
  • Public safety context — storm reports, closures, or incident details may be reviewed internally and, when appropriate, summarized for public safety communications. Do not submit information you are not comfortable being used for weather operations.
  • Legal requirements — if required by law, court order, or to protect rights, safety, and security
  • Business transfers — in connection with a merger, reorganization, or asset sale, subject to continued protection of your information

6. SMS alert program

If you opt in to text alerts, we use your phone number and selected counties to send automated weather messages. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. See our Text Message Terms of Service for full program details.

7. Data retention

We keep information only as long as needed for the purposes described above, including operating your account or subscription, maintaining operational records, meeting legal obligations, and resolving disputes. Retention periods vary by data type. You may request deletion of certain account or contact information subject to legal and operational limits.

8. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect information. No website or transmission is completely secure. Please use strong passwords, sign out on shared devices, and do not rely on any single channel—including SMS—for emergency warnings.

9. Children’s privacy

Our Services are intended for general public use and are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without appropriate parental consent. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

10. Your choices and rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or obtain a copy of personal information we hold about you, or to object to certain processing. You can also:

  • Update member preferences in your account when signed in
  • Opt out of SMS alerts by texting STOP
  • Clear cookies and local site data in your browser
  • Contact us to request help with account, application, or subscription data

Residents of certain U.S. states (including California) may have additional privacy rights. We will not discriminate against you for exercising those rights.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Material changes may also be noted on the website. Continued use of the Services after an update means you accept the revised policy.

12. Contact us

Quad County Weather LLC
Website: quadcountyweather.com
Privacy questions: Contact Quad County Weather and include “Privacy” in your message.

Related policies: Text Message Terms of Service