Stwarn – Cookie Policy
Thank you for visiting Stwarn (“Stwarn,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), found at https://stwarn.com and its related subpages and domains (the “Site”). This Cookie Policy is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency regarding how our website, mobile portal, and digital services utilize cookies and similar technologies. Please carefully review this policy to understand what cookies are, how and why we use them, how they interact with your privacy, and what choices you have.
Table of Contents
- Purpose and Scope
- What are Cookies?
- Types of Cookies Stwarn Uses
- 3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
- 3.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies
- 3.3 Functional Cookies
- 3.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies
- 3.5 Third-Party Cookies
- Specific Cookies We Use on Stwarn
- How We Use Cookies
- 5.1 Operational Purposes
- 5.2 Analytics and Reporting
- 5.3 Site Customization and Experience
- 5.4 Security and Fraud Prevention
- 5.5 Marketing and Third Party Services
- How Third Parties Use Cookies on Stwarn
- Managing Cookies: Your Controls and Choices
- 7.1 Browser Settings
- 7.2 Cookie Consent Tools
- 7.3 Do Not Track Signals
- 7.4 Mobile Device Controls
- 7.5 Opt-Out Links for Major Third Parties
- Consequences of Disabling Cookies
- Cookies and Personal Data
- Legal Bases for Cookies (U.S., CCPA, GDPR Readiness)
- Cookie Policy for Registered Users
- Cookie Policy for Non-Registered “Public” Users
- Special Note on Children and Cookies
- State Laws and Cookie Rights
- 14.1 California (CCPA)
- 14.2 Other U.S. State Laws
- 14.3 GDPR – International Access
- How Long Do Cookies Last? (Session vs. Persistent)
- Changes to Our Cookie Policy
- How to Contact Us
- Additional Resources and Legal References
- Legal Address
- Meta Description
1. Purpose and Scope
This Cookie Policy applies to all users of https://stwarn.com and its subpages, including but not limited to https://stwarn.com/blog, https://stwarn.com/about-us, https://stwarn.com/privacy-policy, https://stwarn.com/terms-and-conditions, https://stwarn.com/cookie-policy, https://stwarn.com/dmca, https://stwarn.com/support, and preparedness/emergency resources. This policy covers all digital domains operated by J. Torres (CEO), located at HC 1 Box 8273, Penuelas, PR 00624, USA.
This policy works in conjunction with our Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, and Disclaimer for a full picture of your rights, our responsibilities, and how you can take control of your information.
2. What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer or device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the website operators or third parties.
Cookies serve a wide array of functions, including to:
- Remember preferences or settings (language, region, login)
- Enable functionality (site navigation, features, access control)
- Track usage, performance, and analytics data
- Personalize content or advertising
- Strengthen security and authentication
There are other similar technologies (such as web beacons, pixels, or software development kits (“SDKs”) for mobile), but for simplicity, we refer to all of these collectively as “cookies.”
3. Types of Cookies Stwarn Uses
We use several different types of cookies for distinct purposes. They may be placed by us (“first-party cookies”) or by other companies whose services are integrated into our site (“third-party cookies”).
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for you to browse Stwarn and use its features, such as accessing secure areas (e.g., alert subscription, account management, or feedback forms). Without these cookies, some services may not function.
Examples:
- Authentication cookies for login sessions
- Cookie consent management cookies
- Load balancing or security cookies
3.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect anonymous information about how users interact with Stwarn—such as pages viewed, time spent, or navigation patterns—to help us improve our content and user experience. They do not store personal information except in aggregate or non-identifiable form.
Examples:
- Google Analytics or similar analytics provider cookies
- Internal usage tracking cookies
3.3 Functional Cookies
These cookies remember your choices or actions to improve your experience (e.g., preferred language, recent searches, or customizing weather alerts). They may be set by us or by third parties.
Examples:
- Location preference
- Alert customization persistence
- Site tool memory for your device
3.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies
We may use cookies to deliver advertising more relevant to you and your interests, and to measure the effectiveness of ad campaigns, either on Stwarn or third-party platforms. These are generally placed by third parties (advertisers, ad networks, sponsors).
Examples:
- Tracking ad impressions or conversion rates
- Retargeting cookies for sponsored emergency preparedness products (when applicable)
3.5 Third-Party Cookies
Some content or features on Stwarn are provided, funded, or analyzed with the help of trusted partners, such as government agencies, affiliate brands, social media plugins, or analytics services. These third parties may set and access their own cookies on your device in accordance with their privacy policies.
4. Specific Cookies We Use on Stwarn
While our cookie usage may evolve as we add services, typical categories include:
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser, used for session management and security.
- Persistent Cookies: Last longer and are stored even after your browser is closed. Used for preference retention, login, and some analytics.
- First-Party Cookies: Set by Stwarn directly.
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by external networks, such as Google Analytics, affiliate advertisers, or content delivery networks.
Example Cookies (indicative list):
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| stwarn_session | Maintain user session | Session | Stwarn |
| cookie_consent | Store cookie preferences | 1 year | Stwarn |
| _ga (Google) | Analytics/usage tracking | 2 years | |
| alert_custom | Stores alert preferences | 30 days | Stwarn |
| affiliate_ref | Tracks affiliate source | 30 days | Stwarn/Partners |
We regularly review the cookies in use and update this list when significant changes are made.
5. How We Use Cookies
5.1 Operational Purposes
- Enable website navigation and account functionality
- Store settings (region, language, alert level, device)
- Remember login information across sessions (if you choose)
5.2 Analytics and Reporting
- Track visitor numbers, popular pages, and engagement patterns
- Assess the performance of our communications and updates
- Help us understand how users access, find, and use Stwarn
5.3 Site Customization and Experience
- Save and recall user choices (for weather alerts or preparation checklists)
- Offer tailored content based on prior behavior or preferences
- Pre-populate forms or information for returning users
5.4 Security and Fraud Prevention
- Ensure site integrity, prevent unauthorized access, and reduce spam
- Detect and respond to abnormal patterns or repeated login failures
- Validate account sessions and prevent cross-site scripting attacks
5.5 Marketing and Third Party Services
- Measure effectiveness or reach of sponsored content and advertisements
- Manage affiliate referrals and commission attributions
- Allow social media or embedded content (such as YouTube, Twitter, etc.)
6. How Third Parties Use Cookies on Stwarn
Third-party partners—such as analytics providers, affiliate networks, or advertisers—may use cookies for their designated purposes, per their independent privacy and cookie policies. Their purposes may include:
- Delivering targeted advertisements or sponsored resources
- Measuring marketing campaign effectiveness
- Integrating with social media accounts for sharing
- Detecting fraudulent traffic or ensuring valid reach analytics
We strive to partner only with reputable vendors committed to transparent and lawful data use, but please review their individual cookie and privacy policies for details.
Notable third parties may include (subject to services used):
- Google Analytics / Google Tag Manager (Privacy Policy)
- Facebook/Twitter social plugins
- Affiliate network operators (Commission Junction, ShareASale, etc.)
- Email or SMS service providers
If you opt in to alerts or interact with sponsored content, cookies placed by these partners may apply for campaign tracking and optimization.
7. Managing Cookies: Your Controls and Choices
You have several options to control or limit how cookies are used on Stwarn:
7.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to:
- Refuse all cookies or specific kinds
- Delete cookies automatically when you close your browser
- Alert you before cookies are set
- See which cookies are stored
See your browser’s help resources for instructions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.).
7.2 Cookie Consent Tools
Stwarn may present a cookie consent banner or settings panel when you first visit. You can:
- Accept all cookies
- Accept only required/functional cookies
- Refuse non-essential cookies
- Adjust your consent later (often via a button or link in the site footer)
We respect the choices you make on initial entry and whenever you update your preferences.
7.3 Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers allow you to send a “Do Not Track” (DNT) signal.
Currently, Stwarn does not respond to DNT signals due to lack of a universal industry standard. You may still manage cookies as described above.
7.4 Mobile Device Controls
If accessing Stwarn on a mobile device, you may have additional settings to control cookies, mobile advertising IDs, and other tracking tools.
- Check your device’s privacy or security settings
- Manage permissions for browser or mobile apps
7.5 Opt-Out Links for Major Third Parties
Many major analytics or advertising networks provide opt-out tools:
- Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on
- Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out Tool
- Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-Out Tool
Consult respective providers for more information on exercising these rights.
8. Consequences of Disabling Cookies
Disabling all cookies via browser or device settings may impair the ability to:
- Remain logged into your account or alert settings
- Save customized preferences (region, alerts, plans)
- Use certain interactive features (such as resource downloads, checklists, or plans)
- Receive tailored notifications or recommendations
You may still access general informational content and browse public areas of Stwarn, but experience may be impacted.
9. Cookies and Personal Data
While cookies themselves do not usually contain Personal Information, their use may link to data you have provided (via registration, alerts, or feedback).
- Some cookies are essential for account functionality and rely on your provided data (e.g., email for notification delivery).
- Analytics cookies may aggregate behavioral statistics, which—when combined with user data—may be considered personal data in some jurisdictions.
- We never use cookies for surreptitious collection or sale of sensitive or identity information.
How cookies interact with your privacy is covered extensively in our Privacy Policy.
10. Legal Bases for Cookies (U.S., CCPA, GDPR Readiness)
Stwarn uses cookies based on several lawful reasons:
- Consent: For non-essential cookies (such as for analytics, personalization, or advertising), consent is typically requested via a banner or opt-out tool.
- Contractual necessity: Essential cookies may be used to deliver the services you request (such as authentication or persistent subscriptions).
- Legitimate interests: Certain cookies help us secure, optimize, or improve our site, subject to user rights and opt-out capability.
- Legal obligation: Cookies used to comply with legal, security, or anti-fraud obligations.
Where U.S. or international law requires explicit consent (as under GDPR), Stwarn will provide appropriate banners and options.
11. Cookie Policy for Registered Users
If you create an account or subscribe for alerts at Stwarn:
- Cookies and device identifiers may be used to recognize your login session, authenticate your account, keep you logged in, and personalize content and notifications.
- Disabling cookies may log you out, remove your settings, or disrupt alert delivery.
- Account-related cookies are required for registered user features and are only used for operational, security, or account management purposes.
12. Cookie Policy for Non-Registered “Public” Users
If you browse Stwarn without registering or subscribing:
- Only essential, functional, and aggregated analytics cookies are set by default, subject to your consent.
- No personally-identifiable cookies are placed unless you submit data voluntarily (such as through a contact form or alert sign-up).
13. Special Note on Children and Cookies
- Stwarn does not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13.
- We do not target cookie-based marketing, alerts, or analytics toward minors.
- If you are under 13, please do not register or submit personal information.
- If we learn that we have inadvertently placed cookies linked to minors’ accounts, we will promptly delete relevant records.
Parents or guardians may contact us at support@stwarn.com with questions or requests.
14. State Laws and Cookie Rights
14.1 California (CCPA)
If you reside in California:
- CCPA grants you rights to access, limit use, and opt out of “selling” personal data.
- Stwarn does not sell your data or share cookies for direct monetary value.
- You may control all non-essential cookies and tracking as detailed above.
14.2 Other U.S. State Laws
We comply with other state privacy laws as they pertain to cookies and data. Please contact us if you wish to exercise your rights in your jurisdiction.
14.3 GDPR – International Access
Stwarn is U.S.-focused, but if you are in the EEA/EU or UK, you have special rights:
- You must be shown a banner requesting consent for all non-essential cookies.
- You have the right to revoke consent at any time.
- We honor all mandatory opt-outs and minimization policies.
15. How Long Do Cookies Last? (Session vs. Persistent)
- Session Cookies are temporary and expire when you close your browser, used for temporary function like user authentication.
- Persistent Cookies remain on your device for a set period or until deleted, used for remembering preferences or settings over time.
Duration for each cookie is listed in your browser’s cookie manager or in our periodic site updates.
16. Changes to Our Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal changes, or technology improvements. Significant changes will be posted prominently, and the “last updated” date at the top will be revised.
We recommend checking this page periodically to review any updates. Continued use of Stwarn after changes is considered acceptance of the updated policy.
17. How to Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, our data practices, or your rights, please contact us:
- General Inquiries: info@stwarn.com
- Customer Support: support@stwarn.com
- Legal/DMCA/Privacy: dmca@stwarn.com
- General Inbox: inbox@stwarn.com
- Contact Form: https://stwarn.com/contact-us
18. Additional Resources and Legal References
External Legal Resources:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Online Tracking
- Google’s Privacy and Terms
- Network Advertising Initiative
- Digital Advertising Alliance
19. Legal Address
Contact for real, legal and urgent needs only:
Stwarn (J. Torres)
HC 1 Box 8273
Penuelas, PR 00624
USA
By accessing Stwarn, you acknowledge and accept the practices described in this Cookie Policy. Thank you for your trust.
Last Updated: June 12, 2025