Cookie Policy

Effective Date: October 21, 2026 This Cookie Policy explains how Redings Mill Fire Protection District (“RMFPD,” “the District,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) uses cookies, website analytics, security technologies, and similar technologies on its website. As a public fire protection district serving communities in Missouri, RMFPD is committed to maintaining a functional, accessible, and secure website while respecting visitor privacy. This policy explains the types of cookies that may be used, their purposes, and the options available to visitors for managing them.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on a device when visiting a website. They allow websites and certain third-party services to remember information, maintain functionality, recognize preferences, and collect information about website performance. Cookies may be temporary, remaining active during a browsing session, or persistent, remaining on a device until they expire or are deleted. Some cookies are necessary for the operation and security of a website, while others may support analytics, accessibility improvements, or optional website features.

How We Use Cookies

RMFPD may use cookies and similar technologies for legitimate website operations, including:

• Maintaining website functionality and performance
• Supporting website security and spam prevention
• Improving navigation and user experience
• Supporting accessibility and usability
• Remembering certain website preferences
• Monitoring website performance and technical errors
• Evaluating website traffic when analytics services are enabled
• Improving public safety information and community resources
• Supporting embedded maps, videos, and other interactive content

Cookies and related technologies are not intended to replace official District communications or emergency response services.

Types of Cookies

Depending on the website features and services enabled, RMFPD may use the following categories of cookies:

Essential Cookies

Essential cookies support basic website functionality, security, and the operation of certain features. These cookies may help:

• Maintain website sessions
• Support website and form functionality
• Prevent spam and automated abuse
• Protect against unauthorized activity
• Maintain technical security and stability

Some essential cookies may be necessary for the website or particular services to function correctly.

Functional Cookies

Functional cookies may support additional website features and help remember visitor preferences. These cookies may be associated with accessibility preferences, embedded content, or other interactive services.

Analytics and Performance Cookies

Analytics and performance cookies, when enabled, help evaluate how visitors interact with the website. These technologies may collect information about website traffic, navigation, performance, and technical functionality. Information may be used to identify usability issues, improve website content, and make public information easier to access.

Analytics and Tracking Technologies

The website may use analytics or performance measurement technologies to better understand website functionality and visitor interactions. When enabled, these tools may collect limited technical information, including:

• Browser type and version
• Device type and operating system
• General geographic region
• Internet Protocol (IP) address
• Pages visited
• Time spent on website pages
• Website navigation and interaction data
• Referral sources
• Technical performance and diagnostic information

Such information may be used to:

• Improve website usability and navigation
• Identify technical errors
• Evaluate public information accessibility
• Improve website performance
• Understand how visitors access District resources
• Support ongoing website maintenance and improvements

The use of any particular analytics provider depends on the technologies currently enabled on the website.

Website Forms and Security Technologies

RMFPD provides online forms for general inquiries, employment and volunteer applications, 911 address sign requests, and other non-emergency District services. To help protect website forms against spam, automated submissions, and unauthorized activity, the website may use security technologies such as Google reCAPTCHA or similar services. When enabled, these services may collect or evaluate technical information, including:

• IP addresses
• Browser and device characteristics
• Security-related interaction data
• Cookies or similar identifiers
• Other information used to distinguish legitimate activity from automated abuse

Such information may be processed by the applicable security service provider in accordance with its privacy practices. Files uploaded through website forms are delivered to authorized District personnel by email and are not intentionally retained in Elementor Pro submission records. Temporary technical processing may occur during transmission. Cookies and website security technologies do not guarantee complete protection of information transmitted electronically.

Third-Party Cookies and Embedded Content

The website may contain third-party services or embedded content, including:

• Google Maps or other mapping services
• YouTube or other video platforms
• Social media content
• Website security and spam prevention services
• External public safety and government resources
• Other embedded website features

Third-party services may independently place cookies or use similar tracking technologies when visitors interact with embedded content. These services may collect information according to their own privacy policies and terms of service. RMFPD does not control the independent cookie practices, data collection methods, or privacy policies of third-party providers. Visitors are encouraged to review the applicable policies of external services before interacting with them.

Advertising and Remarketing Technologies

RMFPD’s website is primarily intended to provide public information, emergency preparedness resources, fire prevention education, and access to District services. If advertising, remarketing, or other non-essential tracking technologies are introduced, the District may update this Cookie Policy to identify their purposes and provide applicable information about visitor choices. Any use of these technologies is subject to applicable privacy requirements. RMFPD does not sell personal information submitted through District website forms for commercial advertising or resale purposes.

Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow visitors to control, block, or delete cookies through their settings. Depending on the browser, users may be able to:

• View stored cookies
• Delete existing cookies
• Block certain third-party cookies
• Limit tracking technologies
• Prevent websites from storing new cookies
• Clear browsing information after each session

Disabling cookies may affect website functionality, including forms, embedded maps, videos, security features, and other interactive services. Browser settings may not control every type of tracking technology. Where additional cookie preference controls are provided on the website, visitors may use those controls to manage applicable optional technologies.

Cookie Duration and Retention

The length of time a cookie remains on a device depends on its purpose and the service that places it. Session cookies generally expire when the browsing session ends, while persistent cookies may remain until their expiration date or until removed by the user. Third-party providers may establish their own cookie expiration periods and data retention practices. Information collected through website technologies may also be subject to applicable District records management requirements and service provider policies.

Accessibility and Website Improvements

Redings Mill Fire Protection District is committed to improving digital accessibility and providing public information in a usable format for individuals with disabilities. Website performance and analytics information, when available, may be used to identify navigation difficulties, technical issues, and opportunities for accessibility improvements. The District works toward meeting applicable Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and relevant Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). If website cookies, embedded services, or interactive features create an accessibility barrier, visitors may contact the District for assistance.

Privacy and Data Protection

The use of cookies and related website technologies is also addressed in RMFPD’s Privacy Policy. The Privacy Policy provides additional information regarding personal information, electronic submissions, third-party services, information security, public records requirements, and data retention. As a Missouri public governmental entity, RMFPD handles applicable District records in accordance with relevant federal and state legal requirements.

Changes to This Cookie Policy

Redings Mill Fire Protection District may modify or update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in website technologies, operational practices, third-party services, or applicable legal requirements. Updated versions will be published on this page with a revised effective date. Visitors are encouraged to review this policy periodically for changes.

Contact Information

Redings Mill Fire Protection District Station 1 – Administration 344 Redings Mill Road Joplin, Missouri 64804 Phone: 417-624-2715 Email: office@rmfd.org For questions regarding this Cookie Policy, website privacy, accessibility, or the use of website technologies, please contact the District using the information above.