Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 2026
Who we are
Our website address is https://www.gvcfsc.org. This site is operated by The Greater Valley Center Fire Safe Council (GVCFSC), a volunteer community organization working in coordination with the Valley Center Fire Protection District. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.
Information we collect
Information you give us. When you use our contact form or register for an event, we collect the details you enter, such as your name, email address, phone number, and message. We only ask for what we need to respond to you or manage the event.
Information collected automatically. Like most websites, our site and its service providers automatically collect limited technical information, such as your IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit.
Donations. Donations are processed by the Valley Center Fire Department Foundation on its own website. We do not collect or store payment information on this site. Please review the Foundation’s privacy policy for details on how it handles your information.
How we use your information
- To respond to your questions and requests
- To manage event registrations and send event-related updates
- To understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it
- To protect the site from spam, abuse, and security threats
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
Cookies and analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors find and use our site. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information such as pages visited and general location (city or region). This information is reported to us in aggregate and is not used to identify you personally. You can learn more at Google’s privacy page and opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Our site may also set cookies needed for basic functions, such as security checks and site performance. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work as intended.
Service providers
We use trusted service providers to operate this site. They may process limited information on our behalf:
- DreamHost: website hosting
- Google Analytics: visitor statistics
- Cloudflare Turnstile: spam protection on forms
- Wordfence: website security, which logs IP addresses to block malicious activity
- Optimole: image optimization and delivery
- Email delivery service: sending form responses and event confirmations
Embedded content from other websites
Pages on this site may include embedded content, such as YouTube videos or Facebook posts. Embedded content behaves as if you visited the other website directly. Those websites may collect data about you, use cookies, and track your interaction with the embedded content, especially if you are logged in to an account with them.
Links to other websites
Our site links to partner agencies and emergency resources, such as fire agencies, alert services, and county websites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
How long we keep your information
We keep contact form and event registration information only as long as needed to respond to you, manage the event, or meet administrative requirements. Analytics data is retained according to Google Analytics settings. Security logs are kept for a limited period to protect the site.
Your privacy rights
You may ask us to tell you what personal information we hold about you, correct it, or delete it. To make a request, email us at the address below. We will respond within a reasonable time. We may keep certain information when required for legal, administrative, or security purposes.
Do Not Track signals
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” setting. There is no common standard for responding to these signals, so our site does not currently respond to them. You can still limit tracking by blocking cookies or using the Google Analytics opt-out add-on.
Children’s privacy
This site is intended for a general audience and is not directed to 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 and we will delete it.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date at the top.
Contact us
Questions about this policy or your information? Email contact@vcfpd.org or use our contact form.