Last updated: June 30, 2026
We collect information you provide directly: name, email address, phone number, family member details, vehicle information, pet information, accessibility needs, and emergency contacts. We also collect location data (GPS coordinates) when you enable location services, device information for push notifications, and basic usage data such as which shelters or parking locations you view or navigate to.
Your information is used to: provide shelter and safe-parking search based on your location; display real-time weather alerts for your area; enable family location sharing with your approved contacts; send emergency weather notifications; diagnose crashes and performance issues; improve the app experience; and fulfill our Terms of Service.
Location data is central to SHLTR's functionality. GPS coordinates are used to find nearby shelters and safe parking, calculate distances, and enable family tracking. Location sharing with family members requires explicit opt-in and can be disabled at any time. Location pings are stored securely and retained for 30 days by default. We do not sell or share your location data with third parties for advertising purposes.
Your data is stored on Supabase (backed by PostgreSQL) with row-level security policies that ensure you can only access your own data. All data in transit is encrypted using TLS 1.2+. Authentication tokens are stored securely on your device. We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information.
SHLTR integrates with the following third-party services: Open-Meteo API (weather data — only coordinates are sent, no personal data); NOAA Weather.gov (severe weather alerts — no personal data sent); Supabase (database and authentication); Expo Push Notification Service (device push tokens); and Traceway (crash and performance diagnostics). We do not share your personal information with these services beyond what is necessary for functionality.
Shelter and safe-parking locations shown in the app come from public datasets — the FHWA National Bridge Inventory, OpenStreetMap, and FEMA — not from other users. These sources are periodically refreshed; we do not collect or publish personal information as part of this process.
When you add family members to your account, you are responsible for ensuring you have their consent to share their information. Family member names, relationships, and location sharing preferences are stored in your account. Family members who create their own SHLTR accounts can manage their own privacy settings independently.
Account information is retained as long as your account is active. Location pings are retained for 30 days. Weather cache data expires after 24 hours. You can request deletion of all your data by deleting your account through Account Settings or by contacting us.
You have the right to: access your personal data (available via the Export Data feature in Account Settings); correct inaccurate data (via Edit Profile); delete your account and all associated data; opt out of location sharing at any time; opt out of push notifications; and request information about how your data is used.
SHLTR is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes through the app. Your continued use after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
For privacy-related questions or data requests, email us at phil@nickelbygroup.com or use the Send Feedback feature in the app.