SMS Terms & Consent

Effective date: April 17, 2026 · Last updated: April 17, 2026

1. Program Name & Operator

This document describes the SMS messaging program (the "Program") operated by Theito Tech LLC, doing business as Every Iowan ("we," "us," "our"), based in Urbandale, Iowa. The Program name registered with mobile carriers is Every Iowan Civic Alerts.

Questions about this Program: [email protected] or use our contact form.

2. What the Program Sends

Every Iowan sends SMS messages that are directly useful to Iowans in their city, county, or school district. We do not send marketing or promotional messages via SMS. Message types include:

  • Urgent safety alerts — tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, flash flood warnings, extreme heat or wind chill warnings, and AMBER alerts for the county you have opted into. Sourced directly from the U.S. National Weather Service.
  • School closures and early dismissals — for school districts you have chosen to follow.
  • Daily civic digest (paid subscribers only, optional) — a single SMS summarizing your local digest (weather, schools, events).
  • Account and service messages — one-time passwords (OTPs) for verification, and transactional notices about your account.

Sample messages:

  • "Tornado Warning for Polk County until 9:15pm. Take shelter now. NWS source. Reply STOP to cancel."
  • "Waukee schools closed tomorrow (ice storm). Reply STOP to cancel."
  • "Your Every Iowan verification code is 482193."

3. How You Give Consent (Opt-In)

We only send SMS messages to phone numbers that have provided express written consent through one of the following paths on our website:

  1. Digest subscription: You visit everyiowan.com/account/preferences, enter your mobile number, and submit a verification code we send to that number. You then check a box reading, in substance, "I agree to receive SMS alerts from Every Iowan at this number. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. See SMS Terms and Privacy Policy." before alerts are enabled.
  2. Account verification (OTP): During sign-in or account verification, you voluntarily enter your mobile number to receive a one-time passcode. OTP delivery is limited to that single transactional purpose and does not enroll you in ongoing alerts.

Consent is never a condition of purchasing any good or service. You may use Every Iowan without giving SMS consent, and you may revoke consent at any time (see Section 6).

4. Message Frequency

Frequency varies based on events in your area. Typical volume:

  • Urgent safety alerts: only when issued by the NWS or local authorities — typically a few per month during severe weather seasons, and zero in calm weeks.
  • School closure alerts: a few per winter; occasional in other seasons.
  • Daily civic digest (paid, optional): up to one SMS per day, at an hour you choose.
  • Account/OTP messages: only when you request them.

5. Message & Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile plan. Every Iowan does not charge you for receiving SMS; your mobile carrier’s standard rates apply. Contact your carrier for details about your plan.

6. How to Stop (Opt-Out)

You can stop receiving SMS from Every Iowan at any time using any of these methods:

  • Reply STOP to any message from us. We will send one final confirmation message and then will not send further SMS to that number. Supported stop keywords: STOP, STOPALL, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, QUIT.
  • Turn off SMS on your digest settings page at any time.
  • Email us at [email protected] and we will remove your number within one business day.

Opt-out is honored immediately at the messaging layer. You may still receive account emails unless you also unsubscribe from those separately.

7. How to Get Help

Reply HELP to any Every Iowan SMS and you will receive a reply with program information and contact details. You can also email [email protected] or use our contact form. We respond to SMS help inquiries within one business day.

8. Supported Carriers

The Program works with major U.S. mobile carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, U.S. Cellular, and most regional Iowa carriers. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

9. Privacy & No Sharing

We do not sell or rent your mobile number. We do not share your mobile number or any SMS opt-in information with third parties or affiliates for their marketing purposes. Your number is used only to deliver the messages you have requested, through our messaging provider acting on our behalf. Full details are in our Privacy Policy and Data Rights page.

10. Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years of age to use Every Iowan, and SMS features are intended for users 18 or older or the age of majority in your jurisdiction. You represent that you are the account holder for the mobile number you submit, or that you are otherwise authorized to enroll that number.

11. Changes

We may update these SMS Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated by a notice on this page with a new "Last updated" date above, and, where appropriate, by an SMS or email to active subscribers.

12. Governing Documents

These SMS Terms are part of and incorporated into our Terms of Service. Our Privacy Policy governs how we handle your information. If there is any conflict between this page and those documents, the more protective provision for the user controls.

13. Contact

Theito Tech LLC dba Every Iowan
Urbandale, Iowa 50322
[email protected]