1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Kent County Emergency Support Team (KCEST) Spotter Connect platform ("Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Service.

2. Description of Service

Spotter Connect is a weather spotting and emergency coordination platform operated by KCEST to facilitate communication and coordination during severe weather events. The Service includes features such as:

• Weather event reporting and tracking
• Spotter check-in and coordination
• Real-time location tracking (SpotterTrack)
• Alert and notification systems
• Communication tools for emergency response

3. Eligibility and Registration

You must be at least 18 years of age to use this Service. By registering, you represent and warrant that:

• You are 18 years of age or older
• You are authorized to participate in weather spotting activities
• All information you provide is accurate and current
• You will maintain the security of your account credentials

4. User Responsibilities and Conduct

As a user of the Service, you agree to:

• Safety First: Always prioritize personal safety over weather reporting
• Accurate Reporting: Provide truthful and accurate weather observations
• Professional Communication: Maintain professional and respectful communication
• Authorized Use Only: Use the Service only for its intended emergency coordination purposes
• Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of emergency coordination information
• Compliance: Follow all applicable laws and emergency protocols

Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

• Submit false or misleading weather reports
• Use the Service for non-emergency or commercial purposes
• Interfere with emergency response operations
• Share login credentials with unauthorized persons
• Attempt to disrupt or damage the Service
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations

5. Emergency Response and Life Safety

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This Service is a coordination tool and should never be your primary means of reporting life-threatening emergencies.

• For immediate life-threatening emergencies, call 911
• For severe weather reports to NWS, call 800-647-3836
• Online reports may experience delays and should not be relied upon for urgent situations

6. Location Tracking (SpotterTrack)

By enabling SpotterTrack:

• You consent to real-time location tracking during activated periods
• Your location may be shared with emergency coordinators and responders
• Location data is automatically purged daily at 3:00 AM Eastern for privacy
• You can disable tracking at any time through your profile settings

7. Privacy and Data Use

Your use of the Service is subject to our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms. We may use and share your information as necessary for emergency coordination and public safety purposes.

8. Service Availability and Modifications

KCEST reserves the right to:

• Modify, suspend, or discontinue the Service at any time
• Update these Terms with reasonable notice
• Remove or disable user accounts for violations
• Implement emergency protocols that may override normal operations

The Service may be unavailable due to maintenance, technical issues, or emergency conditions.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. KCEST DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of weather information or the continuous availability of the Service.

10. Limitation of Liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL KCEST BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you (if any) for accessing the Service in the 12 months preceding the claim.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless KCEST, its officers, volunteers, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of your use of the Service or violation of these Terms.

12. Termination

These Terms remain effective until terminated. We may terminate your access immediately for any violation of these Terms. You may terminate your account at any time by contacting an administrator, subject to emergency coordination requirements.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Kent County, Michigan.

14. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact KCEST through the Contact Team feature in the platform or reach out to your local emergency coordinator.