Why are we being asked to help?
The Clean Key West Task Force is asking organizations and individual citizen groups to partner with the City to improve our quality of life here in Key West.

The Task Force cannot accomplish its goal for making Key West the “Cleanest Little City in America” without your help.

Everyone is aware of the litter problem here in Key West.  We need the assistance of our community to help us solve the problem.

We are asking you to supplement the cleanup already being done by the City, businesses and individuals.  The City will act as a facilitator to provide all the necessary materials for your cleanup crew.

The following guidelines will provide suggestions for your cleanup plans along with some helpful contact numbers.

Where do we clean?
A designated area will be agreed upon by your group and the City of Key West. No specific size area is required. The Stormwater Utility Engineer, Annalise Mannix, will be your liaison to help you choose your area, register your group, and answer any questions you might have.

What do we do next?
Within your organization, you can establish your own guidelines for the cleaning of your area, so long as safety is the highest priority.  We would like you to commit to pick up trash, weed, sweep, rake the area, clean stickers off trash pails, and light poles.  If you find other work is needed you may contact the city for additional assistance.

One person should be in charge per each group.  Form a committee to work with that person.  This leader will serve as the contact person for the city.

Set up a schedule for the regular cleaning of your site.

Make a chart outlining who will clean up when.

Expect to need substitutes in the schedule.  Have a list of substitutes ready.  Will the person scheduled for cleanup call the leader for a substitute or be personally responsible to find a substitute from the list.

Facilitate good communication.  Do those on the committee have a way to contact each other?  Information may need to be passed to all those involved via e-mail or a phone tree.

Check the area frequently.  Perhaps someone on the committee drives by on a regular basis.  Designate a person to contact for problems.

When you meet with your committee?
First item of business:
Thank the group for their efforts for the city and the Clean Key West Task Force.  This is such an important program to make Key West Clean and Green.  Busy people have just taken on additional responsibility, and we sincerely appreciate your help and commitment!

Review your goals
Emphasize safety guidelines.  This is tremendously important.  Many of these areas are high traffic and it is easy to concentrate on the task and forget that you are near the street, parking lots, turn-ins to businesses, bike paths and on-street parking.

In addition to picking up litter, you may need to have large articles removed.  Will one member be notified to handle these special problems?  How will you coordinate your efforts?

Determine supplies necessary.  Have a checklist for the committee members to bring sun protection, water, gloves, brooms, rakes and other items.  The City will provide you with trash bags and will arrange for the pickup of bagged trash.  Please contact Annalise at 797-0463 so that she may arrange for the trash to be picked up after it is collected.

Do not go on to private property when cleaning your area.  The need may be there, but by law we need to respect the property line or our residents and businesses.

Suggestions from past experience of Adopt-An-Area groups:
The leader needs to communicate well, and lead the group in a positive manner.

The leader needs to delegate responsibility, and involve as many people as possible.

The group needs to be flexible and cooperative.

The group needs to stick to established goals and keep a positive attitude.

The group needs to see this as a long-term goal.  Don’t be easily discouraged.

Have fun with it!  Schedule a social or fun outing after the cleanup whenever possible.

Spread The Word
The businesses in your area should be contacted to let them know what you’re doing.  They will want to be informed and may want to help!

Let visitors and other citizens who you see while cleaning up know what you are doing.  Someone cleaning their city is someone with pride in where they live.

Share information and listen to each other’s ideas.  If you have any suggestions, please pass them along to the Committee.

Talk to your neighbors about your efforts.  Perhaps you would like to also Adopt-A-Block in your neighborhood or start a block cleaning group.

•	Stay off the roadway and private property.
•	Always be aware of traffic and be prepared to move quickly, if necessary.  Make sure that drivers can see you easily.
•	Use caution when crossing busier streets.  Use crosswalks and signals where available.
•	Discontinue work before dusk.
•	Do not attempt to work when weather conditions reduce visibility for drivers.
•	Do not attempt to work when there is standing water on a busy roadway or during peak travel times when traffic is heavy.
•	Do not touch or attempt to remove materials which you suspect may be toxic or hazardous.  Items to avoid include powders, chemicals, smelly substances, suspicious packages, chemical drums or containers, weapons, syringes or hypodermic needles and dead animals.  Notify the Key west Police Department of the location of weapons or suspected toxic substances immediately.
•	Do not try to compact trash bags.  Injuries from broken or jagged objects may occur.
•	Wear brightly colored clothing when cleaning your area.  It also is recommended that you not wear sandals.
•	Watch your footing and stay off of places from which you may fall.
•	Do not run, throw objects, or engage in horseplay or any other activity that may distract drivers.
•	Avoid overexertion.  Drink plenty of water, especially on warm, humid days.  Sunscreen lotion is encouraged.
•	Do not consume alcoholic beverages or drugs before your cleanup.
•	Be alert for stinging insects and poisonous plants such as poison oak.
•	Adopting groups must ensure that all children participating have supervision.  It is recommended that groups with a large number of children adopt lesser vehicle traffic areas.