Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Emergency Warning System (EWS) for Kisumu County, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to abide by the above, please do not use this service.

2. Description of Service

The Emergency Warning System is a digital platform designed to provide real-time emergency alerts, hazard monitoring, and disaster management information for residents and authorities in Kisumu County. The service includes:

• Real-time emergency alerts and notifications
• Hazard monitoring (floods, heatwaves, etc.)
• Shelter and evacuation information
• Infrastructure status updates
• Community reporting capabilities

3. User Responsibilities

Users of the EWS agree to:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date personal information
• Use the service responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws
• Not misuse or abuse the emergency reporting features
• Respect the privacy and safety of other users
• Follow official emergency instructions and guidelines

4. Prohibited Uses

You may not use the EWS for:

• Submitting false or misleading emergency reports
• Spreading misinformation or panic
• Accessing or attempting to access restricted areas
• Interfering with the proper functioning of the system
• Any illegal or unauthorized activities

5. Service Availability

While we strive to maintain continuous service availability, the EWS may experience downtime for maintenance, updates, or due to technical issues. We do not guarantee uninterrupted service and are not liable for any consequences resulting from service unavailability.

6. Limitation of Liability

The Emergency Warning System is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. Kisumu County and its partners shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages resulting from the use or inability to use the service.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, and location data
• Account Information: User credentials and profile preferences
• Usage Data: How you interact with the system and emergency reports
• Location Data: GPS coordinates for emergency alerts and hazard monitoring

2. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

• Send emergency alerts and notifications to your location
• Provide personalized hazard monitoring and warnings
• Improve the effectiveness of emergency response services
• Generate statistical reports for emergency planning
• Maintain system security and prevent abuse

3. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Emergency Services: Fire, police, medical, and disaster response teams
• Government Agencies: Relevant county and national emergency management authorities
• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist in system operation
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect public safety

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide emergency services and comply with legal obligations. Emergency reports and location data may be retained for analysis and system improvement purposes.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and review your personal information
• Request corrections to inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your account and data
• Opt-out of non-essential communications
• Withdraw consent for data processing

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, remember your preferences, and analyze system usage. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

8. Children's Privacy

The EWS is designed for general public use. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. Parents should supervise their children's use of the system.