SMS Terms & Conditions

1. Program Description

Southern Software, Inc. ("Southern Software," "we," "us," or "our") provides the ICAware Emergency Notification System, a public safety messaging platform that enables law enforcement agencies, emergency management agencies, and other public safety organizations ("Agencies") to send critical notifications to community members via SMS/text messaging.

By opting in to receive text messages from a participating Agency through our platform, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

2. Message Types

You may receive the following types of text messages:

• Emergency Alerts — Critical public safety notifications including severe weather warnings, AMBER alerts, active threat notifications, evacuation orders, and other life-safety emergencies
• Public Safety Notifications — Community safety information such as road closures, missing person alerts, crime alerts, boil water advisories, and shelter-in-place orders
• Community Information — Non-emergency public safety information including community events, public meetings, traffic advisories, and general agency updates

3. Opt-In and Consent

You must provide express consent to receive SMS messages from an Agency through one of the following methods:

• Submitting your mobile phone number through the Agency's online subscriber registration form
• Texting a designated keyword to the Agency's notification number
• Providing your mobile phone number in person at an Agency event or office

By opting in, you consent to receive automated text messages from the subscribing Agency at the phone number you provided. Consent is not a condition of any purchase or service.

4. Message Frequency

Message frequency varies based on emergency activity and public safety needs in your area. During active emergencies, you may receive multiple messages in a short period. During non-emergency periods, message frequency is typically low (a few messages per month or less). Alerts are sent only when there is a genuine public safety need.

5. Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time using any of the following methods:

You may also opt out by:

• Contacting the Agency that enrolled you in the notification service
• Contacting Southern Software directly (see contact information below)

After sending STOP, you will no longer receive text messages from that Agency. If you wish to re-subscribe, you may opt in again at any time.

6. Quick Reference

7. Supported Carriers

Our SMS notification service is compatible with all major US wireless carriers, including but not limited to AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, US Cellular, and their MVNOs. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

8. Disclaimer of Liability

While we strive to deliver all emergency notifications promptly and reliably:

• We do not guarantee message delivery. SMS delivery depends on your wireless carrier, network conditions, and device compatibility.
• We are not responsible for messages that are delayed, not delivered, or not received due to carrier issues, network congestion, device settings, or other factors beyond our control.
• Emergency notifications via SMS should not be your sole source of emergency information. Always follow local emergency management guidance and monitor official channels.
• T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and all other carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

9. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our SMS Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

Key points:

• We do not sell, rent, or share your phone number or SMS opt-in data with third parties for marketing purposes
• Your information is used solely to deliver public safety notifications on behalf of the subscribing Agency
• We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data

10. Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued participation in the SMS notification program after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

11. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

12. Contact Information

For questions, support, or to opt out, contact us:

See also: SMS Privacy Policy