Useful information for leaders

Before every cleanup

1. Notify the Adopt a Road Coordinator at 386-943-7889 of cleanup date.
2. Notify your group of meeting place and time.
3. Before you scheduled cleanup, pick up supplies from Adopt-A-Road Program Coordinator during work hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday).
4. Walk or drive your road segment prior to meeting with your group to note construction areas and other hazards. Share this information with your group in safety talk.
5. Remember to bring a first aid kit, plenty of water and directions to the nearest hospital.

At the meeting place

1. Take a head count. Divide into teams as appropriate. Each team should have a Team Leader assigned.
2. Make sure there is at least one adult for every seven participants under 15 and that all participants are at least 10 years old.
3. Check for appropriate clothing. Hand out safety vests.
4. Ensure that participants are not under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
5. Review cleanup and safety procedures with the group. This should be done before every cleanup.

At the cleanup site, team leaders should

1. Check that cars are parked as far off the road as possible.
2. POST THE WARNING SIGN PRIOR TO STARTING CLEANUP.
3. Remove warning signs when cleanup is complete

After the cleanup

1. Collect safety vests and warning signs.
2. Notify Adopt a Road Program Coordinator that cleanup is complete. Report where litter bags are located, number of bags, and location of any hazardous materials and animal carcasses.

Safety tips and criteria

• ALWAYS WEAR FURNISHED ORANGE SAFETY VEST. This vest is to provide motorists with the ability to see the workers and is necessary for the worker's safety.
• STAY OFF THE TRAVELED WAY WHEREVER POSSIBLE. The workers should be off the traffic lane and shoulder area for maximum safety when working. Divide into two groups to patrol both sides of the road at one time and minimize crossing the roadway.
• LEAVE CHILDREN AND PETS AT HOME AND KEEP FELLOW VOLUNTEERS UNDER SUPERVISION AT ALL TIMES.
• PARK VEHICLES AWAY FROM AREA TO BE CLEARED. Vehicles parked along the roadside in the cleanup area causes workers to walk in the roadway, creating a dangerous situation. Carpooling is an effective way to reduce the number of vehicles at the site and also conserve energy and minimize pollution.
• OBSERVE ALL PEDESTRIAN LAWS AND SAFETY PRACTICES. This includes, but is not limited to, facing traffic when walking along shoulders, looking both directions before crossing, crossing at corners when possible, etc. Remember, this is for your protection.
• KEEP FILLED LITTER BAGS OFF OF ROADWAY IN SHOULDER AREA. This keeps the traveled way clear for motorists and safer for pedestrians.
• NOTIFY THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. Dial 911 in case any emergency arises.
• PLEASE BE COURTEOUS TO DRIVERS. Being discourteous to drivers only creates more problems and can endanger other workers in the area. If a situation arises where a motorist is creating problems for the operation, notify the Volusia County Sheriff's Department immediately as they are trained to deal with criminal and dangerous acts. Do not take the law into your own hands.
• DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR THE WEATHER AND TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS. Clothing, liquids, and protection from the elements are all vital for a safe and healthy day.
• ENJOY YOURSELVES. This is a community effort that is to be congratulated. Volusia County is proud to have citizens like you willing to make the county a better place to live.

Do's and don'ts

• DON'T pick up litter on the roadway surface at any time.
• DON'T play around or do anything that will distract passing drivers or other volunteers.
• DON'T work during peak travel times when traffic is heavy. Never schedule pickups during evening hours.
• DON'T participate in litter pickups while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications.
• DON'T overexert yourself. Take breaks. Drink liquids and dress appropriately for the weather.
• DON'T bring small children or pets on litter pickups.
• DON'T leave children or pets locked in the car at work locations.
• DON'T pick up materials which you suspect might be hazardous.
• DO car pool to pickup sites to keep the number of vehicles on the roadside at a minimum. Park in areas off the road and as far away from the pavement edge as possible. Use parking lots and wide spots whenever possible.
• DO stay on the right-of-way facing traffic and stay with your team.
• DO wear the reflective orange safety vest provided for volunteers so that you can be seen. Be sure you have it on from the moment you leave your vehicle at the pickup site.
• DO wear light or bright-colored protective clothing, hard soled shoes and sturdy work gloves.
• DO use sun block and wear a hat.
• DO work only in daylight and in fair weather.
• DO stay alert for snakes and noxious weeds, and avoid them. Watch for broken glass.
• DO coordinate all pickups with the Adopt-A-Road Coordinator at the Volusia County Solid Waste Division.
• DO make sure that all volunteers are familiar with these safety precautions.
• DO stay alert for traffic when crossing side roads and driveways. Cross with signals when possible.

Be aware of the following when removing litter

• Don't step out into the road.
• Wear heavy shoes or boots. (Tennis shoes will not give you the protection needed.)
• Wear gloves.
• Wear safety vests so motorists can see you.
• Be sure work area signs are posted.
• If you have allergies, watch for ragweed and other allergens.
• Watch for amber reflectors on delineator posts. These reflectors indicate a hazard.
• Watch for broken glass.
• Watch for barbed wire.
• Watch for snakes.
• Watch for gopher holes.
• Watch for deep ditches.
• Watch for small washouts in the weeds.
• Watch for culvert heads.
• Be safety minded and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Do not pick up animal bodies, syringes or hazardous materials.