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Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful recently held its Adopt-A-Road Safety Training Seminar at the Brandon Regional Library. Adopt-A-Road groups were asked to attend one of two seminars at the library, and, according to KHCB Program Coordinator Andrea Barber, the meetings were a timely reminder of safety procedures during road clean-up. “We are worried that some of the folks might get hurt,” Barber said.
Barber explained that it has been brought to the attention of KHCB that some Adopt-A-Road groups have been seen conducting themselves without proper safety precautions. The seminar was designed to review proper safety measures, after which the group representatives were expected to inform their Adopt-A-road group members of safety measures before each cleanup. Members are also asked to sign a safety training roster for each clean-up.
Barber began the seminar with words of thanks and appreciation for all the hard work that the groups have been doing over the past year. After viewing a KHCB Adopt-A-Road safety video which included some positive comments from local residents who mentioned the good time they are having being a part of the program. Volunteers were given the highlights of the required safety measures and equipment to be used during road clean-up.
The county’s planning in advance, notifying KHCB and gathering all the supplies in advance, which includes safety vests, road signs as well as the familiar orange mesh warning signs clearly demonstrated the county’s emphasis on safety.
Barber shared a number of tips with each group that come in handy during cleanup such as always work during daylight in good weather, avoid busy traffic times or areas that might appear dangerous to health and always work against traffic.
“One of the most important things that workers neglect is drinking plenty of water,” Barber said.
The issues of injuries were also discussed as group representatives offered suggestions as well as some additional safety tips to keep in mind. Those in attendance agreed that picking up glass causes the most injuries.
Bill Robey, representing Formaggio’s Italian Restaurant, asked if the county would consider cutting the grass before the cleanup crews began working. While the suggestion was reasonable and would contribute to safety, Barber said that it would also have a negative effect.
“The problem is that the lawn mower would shred the trash and it would be way too difficult to clean,” Barber said.
Robey, who is responsible for maintaining a portion of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. from Lynx Park Trl. to FishHawk Blvd., responded, “I have been doing this for the last eight years and the tall grass has been our biggest concern, not counting the heavy traffic.”
Some have commented on the availability and the cleanliness of all safety supplies and asked if these items could be increased as well as more accessible.
In closing, Barber reminded as well as invited all in attendance to participate in the Great American Cleanup which is to be held on Saturday, April 19. Free T-shirts will be provided, and high school students can also earn community hours. The upcoming Florida Coastal Cleanup is also scheduled for September.
The county recognizes those who go above and beyond the call of duty at the annual wards and recognition luncheon. However, Barbers said that the road signs of those who do not live up to their commitment will be removed after a reasonable amount of written reminders.
Barber stated, “It is groups like yours that help make a difference in Hillsborough County and make it a better place to live. We hope that you will continue to work with KHCB in the future to help preserve our communities ecosystems and wildlife.
For more information about KHCB’s Adopt-A-Road program, visit www.khcbonline.org or call 960-5121.
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