LEGAL

Terms of Use

Last updated: October 29, 2026

These Terms of Use (“Terms”) apply to the Lantern website, the free Lantern Starter Guide, the Lantern handbook in any format, our emails, and any other Lantern materials (together, the “Materials”). The Materials are provided by SWM LLC, doing business as Lantern (“Lantern,” “we,” “us”). By using our website, downloading the guide, or buying the book, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Materials.

1. Educational information only

The Materials provide general information about emergency preparedness for U.S. households. They are for educational purposes only. They are not medical, legal, financial, safety, engineering, or other professional advice, and they do not create any professional or advisory relationship between you and us.

The Materials are not a substitute for:

• Calling 911 or getting emergency help in a life-threatening situation.
• The instructions of emergency officials, police, fire departments, or public health authorities, which always come first.
• Advice from your doctor, pharmacist, lawyer, financial advisor, electrician, or other qualified professional about your own situation.
• Hands-on training, such as first aid, CPR, or firearm safety courses from certified instructors.

2. Your responsibility and assumption of risk

Emergencies are unpredictable, and every situation, home, and person is different. You are responsible for deciding whether any information in the Materials is right for you, and for how you use it. Some activities described in the Materials, including but not limited to first aid, using generators or heaters, handling bleach or other chemicals, using tools, climbing ladders, foraging, gardening, food storage, self-defense, and evacuation, carry a risk of injury, illness, property damage, or death. You choose whether to do any of them, and you assume all risks of doing so. Always follow product labels and manufacturer instructions, and stop and seek professional help if you are unsure.

3. Accuracy and changes in guidance

We draw on public sources such as FEMA, the CDC, and other government and nonprofit organizations, and we work to keep the Materials accurate as of their publication date. However, official guidance changes, local conditions vary, and errors can occur. We do not guarantee that the Materials are complete, current, or error-free, or that following them will prevent any harm or loss. Lantern is not affiliated with or endorsed by FEMA, the CDC, the USDA, the American Red Cross, or any government agency.

4. No warranties

THE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE,” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. OUR ONLY OBLIGATION FOR A BOOK YOU ARE UNHAPPY WITH IS DESCRIBED IN OUR REFUND POLICY.

5. Limitation of liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, LANTERN AND SWM LLC, AND ITS OWNERS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AND AGENTS, WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, OR GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE MATERIALS OR YOUR USE OF OR RELIANCE ON THEM, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM RELATED TO THE MATERIALS IS LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US FOR THE PRODUCT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM IN THE 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE CLAIM, OR $25 IF YOU PAID NOTHING.

Some states do not allow certain warranties or damages to be excluded or limited, so some of the limits above may not apply to you. In that case, our liability is limited to the smallest amount the law allows.

6. Indemnity

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Lantern and SWM LLC, and its owners, employees, contractors, and agents, from any claims, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your use or misuse of the Materials or your violation of these Terms.

7. Purchases

Prices are in U.S. dollars and shipping is charged separately at checkout. Payments are processed securely by Stripe. Printed books are produced and shipped by a third-party print partner, and delivery times are estimates. Refunds are handled under our Refund Policy. We may correct pricing errors and may refuse or cancel an order, with a full refund, if we cannot fulfill it.

8. Copyright and permitted use

The Materials, including all text, checklists, designs, and the Lantern name and logo, are owned by SWM LLC and protected by copyright and other laws. You may print and copy the Materials for your own personal and household use, including giving copies of checklists and fill-in pages to members of your household. You may not sell, publish, post online, distribute, or create derivative works from the Materials without our written permission.

9. Third-party links and services

The Materials mention and link to outside organizations, websites, products, and services, such as government agencies and apps. We do not control them, are not responsible for their content or practices, and do not endorse any product by mentioning it. Your use of them is at your own risk and subject to their terms.

10. Governing law and disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Oregon, without regard to its conflict-of-law rules. Before filing any claim, you agree to first contact us at steve[at]weswm.co and try to resolve the issue informally for at least 30 days. Any claim that is not resolved will be brought only in the state or federal courts located in Oregon, and you and we consent to their jurisdiction. Any claim must be brought within one year after it arises, to the extent permitted by law.

11. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The date at the top shows when they last changed. Continuing to use the Materials after a change means you accept the updated Terms.

12. Other terms

If any part of these Terms is found unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. Our failure to enforce any part is not a waiver. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Refund Policy, are the entire agreement between you and us about the Materials.

Contact us

SWM LLC, doing business as Lantern
steve[at]weswm.co