External Social Media Policy

Not for Reporting Emergencies

Social media should never be used for reporting an emergency. Always dial 9-1-1 for fire, medical, or police emergencies.

Moderation of Third-Party Content

The Lake Township Fire Department (LTFD) social media sites serve as a limited public forum and all content published is subject to monitoring. User-generated posts will be rejected or removed (if possible) when the content

  • is off-subject or out of context.

  • contains obscenity or material that appeals to the prurient interest.

  • contains personal identifying information or sensitive personal information.

  • contains offensive terms that target protected classes.

  • is threatening, harassing or discriminatory.

  • incites or promotes violence or illegal activities.

  • contains information that reasonably could compromise individual or public safety.

  • advertises or promotes a commercial product or service, or any entity or individual.

  • promotes or endorses political campaigns or candidates.

Formal Routes of Communication with LTFD

Social media is not a formal route of communication for public records requests, questions, complaints, or other official business. For all official inquiries, email fire@laketwp.com, call 419-838-6536, or write us at Lake Township Fire Department, 27975 Cummings Rd., Millbury, Ohio, 43447.

Replies to Third-Party Content

LTFD social media manager(s) have sole discretion to reply or not reply to any third-party content, whether publicly posted or within private messages. Users who wish to receive a reply should utilize formal routes of communication as listed above.

To maintain civil discourse, a welcoming atmosphere, and for the safety of visitors to our accounts, LTFD will not reply or otherwise engage with:

  • Likely or suspected fake or spam accounts at the discretion of the social media manager(s) and at the ultimate discretion of the fire chief.

  • Individuals with a history of producing content violating any of the criteria detailed under “Moderation of Third-Party Content” on LTFD social media or elsewhere on the Internet.

Public Records Law

LTFD social media sites are subject to applicable public records laws. Any content maintained in a social media format related to agency business, including communication posted by the LTFD and communication received from citizens, is a public record. The Department maintaining the site is responsible for responding completely and accurately to any public records request for social media content.