Introduction
Alert360 is developed and maintained by BFP Region 7 – Information Technology and Communications Unit (ITCU). This Privacy Policy explains how Alert360 collects, uses, and protects your personal data when you use the application. By creating an account and using Alert360, you agree to the terms described in this Privacy Policy.
Scope of the Application
Alert360 is an emergency mapping and situational awareness system designed to:
- Display fire hydrant locations and emergency incidents (fire, rescue, flood, earthquake, landslide, etc.);
- Provide real‑time notifications for confirmed incidents;
- Allow authenticated users to send emergency alerts via the SOS button;
- Support emergency response coordination and public safety awareness.
Information We Collect
3.1 Personal Information
When you create an account or log in via Firebase, we collect the following personal information to enable emergency alerting and response:
- Email address – used for account authentication and secure login.
- Full name – used to identify you when you send an alert.
- Address – your home or current address, used to pinpoint your location for emergency dispatch.
- Contact number – used to reach you in case of an emergency or for verification.
Note: The SOS button can only be used after you have provided your name, address, and contact number. This ensures responders have the essential details to assist you promptly.
3.2 Location Information
With your explicit permission, Alert360 accesses your device’s GPS to obtain:
- Latitude and longitude – used to determine your exact location when you activate the SOS button or view the map.
- Current address – derived from the GPS coordinates, used for dispatch and to show your location on the incident map.
Location data is only collected when you are actively using the app and have granted the necessary permissions. You may revoke location permissions at any time via your device settings, but this may limit the functionality of the SOS feature.
3.3 Device and Usage Data
We may collect limited technical data through third‑party services (e.g., Firebase, map providers) for the purpose of delivering and improving the app, including:
- Device type and model
- Operating system version
- App version and configuration
- IP address (for network communication)
- Crash logs and performance diagnostics
This data is used solely to ensure the app functions correctly and is not linked to your personal identity.
3.4 Capture Images
With your explicit permission, Alert360 accesses your device's camera to capture the following:
- Front Camera – Captures an image of the user.
- Back Camera – Captures the image of the incident or emergency situation.
These images provide visual context for emergency responders, helping them identify and verify the user during an emergency alert. The images are stored securely and are accessible only to authorized personnel involved in the emergency response.
How We Use Information
The information we collect is used exclusively for:
- Authentication – to securely log you in using Firebase Authentication.
- Emergency alerting – your name, address, contact number, and location are sent to the BFP dispatch system when you use the SOS button.
- Incident mapping – your location may be displayed on the map to assist responders.
- Notifications – we send real‑time alerts about confirmed incidents to keep you informed.
- Operational coordination – data helps BFP Region 7 plan and execute emergency responses.
- System improvement – aggregated, anonymised usage data helps us enhance the app’s performance and reliability.
Data Storage and Security
All personal data collected (name, email, address, contact number, location) is stored securely in Firebase Firestore, a cloud‑based NoSQL database managed by Google. Firebase employs industry‑standard encryption and security measures to protect your data.
We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and organisational security measures to prevent unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure. However, no system is completely secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security of data transmission over the internet.
Your location data is stored only temporarily during an active session and may be retained for incident records in accordance with public safety requirements.
Third‑Party Services
Alert360 relies on the following third‑party services to deliver core functionality:
- Firebase (Google) – provides authentication, real‑time database, and push notifications.
- Map services – such as OpenStreetMap and Leaflet, used to display geographic data.
- WebView / browser components – for rendering map interfaces.
- Hosting and backend services – for system delivery and data synchronisation.
These services may collect and process data according to their own privacy policies. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies for more information.
Data Sharing
Alert360 does not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. Data is shared only when:
- Necessary for system functionality – e.g., with Firebase for authentication and database operations.
- Required by law or government authority – to comply with legal obligations.
- For public safety and emergency response – your contact details and location are shared with BFP Region 7 dispatch personnel to facilitate an emergency response when you send an alert.
All data sharing is conducted under strict confidentiality and only for the purposes described in this policy.
Children’s Privacy
Alert360 is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will delete it immediately.
Data Retention
Your personal data (name, email, address, contact number) is retained for as long as your account remains active. If you choose to delete your account, your personal data will be removed from our active systems within a reasonable timeframe, except where we are required to retain certain data for legal or public safety purposes (e.g., incident records).
Location data collected during SOS alerts is retained as part of the incident record for operational analysis and may be kept in accordance with BFP retention policies.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or system functionality. Updates will be posted within the application or via official communication channels. We encourage you to review this policy regularly. Your continued use of Alert360 after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or to exercise your data privacy rights, please contact:
BFP Region 7 – Information Technology and Communications Unit
(ITCU)
Email:
itcur7@gmail.com
Consent
By creating an account, logging in, and using Alert360, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. You also consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your data as outlined above.