Last Updated: October 9, 2025
1. Who We Are
The Independence Volunteer Fire Department (“IVFD,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who visit our website, https://indyvfd.org/. We are a nonprofit public safety organization serving the Town of Independence, Louisiana, and surrounding communities. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you interact with our website or online forms.
2. What Personal Data We Collect
We may collect limited personal information when you voluntarily provide it, such as when you:
- Submit a contact form or volunteer inquiry
- Request fire safety information or community program details
- Sign up for public education events or alerts
Information collected may include:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Physical address (if provided)
- IP address and browser information (via cookies)
- Message content or other details you choose to share
We do not collect payment information or sensitive personal data through this website.
3. How and Why We Use Your Data
We use collected information to:
- Respond to your messages or requests
- Provide information about IVFD programs, events, and community initiatives
- Maintain and improve our website’s functionality and security
- Analyze website performance through anonymous analytics data
- Fulfill legal and public safety obligations as required by law
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your information under the following bases:
- Consent: when you voluntarily submit information through a form or opt in to communications
- Legitimate interest: to improve public access to fire safety information and website usability
- Legal obligation: when required by local, state, or federal law
5. How We Obtain Consent
By submitting a form, contacting us through the website, or accepting cookies, you consent to our collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at info@independence-fire-department.local.
6. Data Sharing and Third Parties
We do not sell or share your personal data for marketing purposes. We may share limited data with trusted service providers who help us maintain this website or analyze performance. These providers are required to handle information securely and only for the purposes we specify.
Examples include:
- Website hosting and security providers
- Analytics tools such as Google Analytics
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Maintain website functionality
- Measure usage and improve performance
- Support accessibility and user preferences
You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected. Examples include:
- Contact form submissions: up to 12 months
- Volunteer inquiries: until processed or withdrawn
- Analytics data: based on default cookie or platform retention settings
9. International Data Transfers
Our website is hosted in the United States. If data is transferred or processed outside your region, we take reasonable measures to ensure appropriate protection consistent with applicable laws.
10. Your Privacy Rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to your personal data
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Withdraw consent for communications
- Contact us regarding any data concerns
To exercise these rights, email us at info@independence-fire-department.local.
11. How We Protect Your Data
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access or misuse. These include:
- SSL encryption
- Secure hosting environments
- Limited access to authorized personnel only
While we take these precautions, no online system is completely immune to risk.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect new practices, technology, or legal requirements. The revised version will be posted on this page with a new “Last Updated” date.
13. Contact Us
Independence Volunteer Fire Department
153 West 7th Street
Independence, Louisiana 70443
📞 (985) 878-2702
✉️ info@independence-fire-department.local
🕒 Always open