Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 1, 2026

Summary: ERNearMeTX.org is committed to protecting your privacy. We do not sell your personal data. We collect only what’s necessary to provide our directory service.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

  • Account Registration: Name, email address, password (hashed), and user type when you create an account.
  • Location Submissions: Facility information you submit including name, address, phone, and other location details.
  • Contact Forms: Name, email, and message content when you contact us.

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, search queries (without personal identification), time on site, and referring URLs.
  • Device Information: Browser type, operating system, and screen resolution for site optimization.
  • IP Address: Collected for security purposes and general geographic analytics (not stored long-term).
  • Cookies: Session cookies for login functionality and analytics cookies (see Section 5).

2. How We Use Your Information

  • Operate, maintain, and improve the ERNearMeTX directory service
  • Process and review location submissions
  • Send account notifications (submission approved/rejected, password reset)
  • Respond to your questions and support requests
  • Monitor for spam, fraud, and security threats
  • Analyze usage patterns to improve our site (using aggregated, anonymized data)
  • Comply with legal obligations

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

  • Service Providers: Hosting providers, analytics services, and email delivery services who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
  • Safety: To protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or the public.
  • Business Transfer: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with notice to users.

4. Data Retention

We retain your account information for as long as your account is active. Location submissions are retained permanently to maintain directory integrity. You may request deletion of your account data at any time by contacting us at privacy@ernearmetx.org.

5. Cookies & Tracking

We use the following types of cookies:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for login sessions and site functionality. Cannot be disabled.
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (Google Analytics). You can opt out at any time.
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your filter and view preferences.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect site functionality.

6. Your Rights (CCPA / Texas Privacy Rights)

As a Texas resident, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate personal data.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data.
  • Opt-Out: Opt out of any data sale (note: we do not sell data).
  • Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@ernearmetx.org. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including SSL/TLS encryption, hashed passwords, and regular security audits. However, no method of internet transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Children’s Privacy

ERNearMeTX.org is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

9. Third-Party Links

Our directory contains links to third-party sites (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Yelp, Uber, Lyft). These sites have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review. We are not responsible for their practices.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify registered users of significant changes via email. The “Last Updated” date at the top reflects the most recent revision.

11. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or requests: