• Litter Clean Up ▲
  It takes no one special to litter – but someone very special to clean it up.
  
  The Adopt-a-Highway program gives Texans an opportunity to volunteer in their community while enjoying teamwork, exercise and beautiful roadside scenery. Safety is a primary goal for everyone, and because volunteers are so important to this program, the following are some safety tips.  
  
  Proper attire:

  • Volunteers must wear safety vests, provided by Burleson County, at all times during the cleanup.
  • Volunteers must wear gloves to protect hands from sharp objects. Leather work gloves are suggested. This will protect against the sun and any poisonous plants or insects you might encounter.
  • Only wear closed-toe shoes. Leather shoes or boots with good soles are recommended.
  • Wear light colored clothing.
  • Wear a hat and long sleeves to avoid sunburn.

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• Roadway Safety ▲
  • Assure that traffic control signs are open (or set out in the case of detachable signs) during the cleanup and returned to the closed position (or removed) after cleanup.
  • Do not stop or park vehicles on roadways.
  • Carpool to the pickup site to reduce the number of vehicles in the right-of-way.
  • Stay in the right-of-way. Only cross the roadway when necessary.
  • Always work facing traffic. Never turn your back to oncoming cars. If you can see an out-of-control vehicle coming your way, it might be possible to avoid danger.
  All children must be supervised. The suggested ratio is at least one supervisor for every three children under age 15. At least one adult must be present for minors ages 15 to 18. Children under the age of seven (7) may not participate in the program.
  • Never walk on guardrails.
  • Do not lean over bridge railings.
  • Do not pick up items on bridges, in tunnels, or on overpasses.
  • Watch your footing. Stay off of/away from steep slopes, trenches or any type of drop-off.
  • Avoid using headsets, which could interfere with hearing oncoming traffic or other potential hazards.
  • Do not enter roadway or its shoulder areas to pick up trash.

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• Health Concerns ▲
  • Do not pick up anything that could be hazardous to your health. This includes needles, syringes, jagged glass, animal carcasses, urine bottles or heavy objects.
  • Adopters are required to have a first aid kit on hand at all times. It is suggested that one or two of the volunteers should be familiar with CPR and general first aid techniques in case of emergency.
  • Know the phone number and the driving route to the nearest hospital. If possible, carry a cell phone.
  • Sunscreen and insect repellant are good items to keep on hand.
  • Keep a list of any allergies volunteers have in case of an emergency.
  • Avoid overexertion. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water should be available to volunteers at all times.)

  Remember, you are working in a dangerous environment, a public roadway. One of the most important things volunteers need to remember about cleanups is safety comes first when working along Texas roads.  (Information taken from the Adopt-A-Highway website.

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