SIDNEY — With warm weather approaching, civic groups start working on community projects, such as litter control by cleaning the side ditches in the County. With the ever increasing Heroin use we want to remind groups to be mindful of needles and other drug related items being discarded on our public roadways.

When cleaning or picking up trash, Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart asks everyone to follow these following guidelines for your personal safety when completing these task.

• Wear protective gloves.

• Do not reach into anything without first looking to see what’s inside.

• If you find a discarded needle do not touch it and report it immediately to an adult.

• After finding a needle or anything drug related contact law enforcement to pick it up or you can drop it off to your nearest law enforcement agency.

• If you find anything that you’re not sure what it is please contact law enforcement to have them look at it.

• Also be mindful of weapons that may have been discarded, if you find a gun leave it lay and let an adult handle it to make sure it’s safe and contact law enforcement.

• Make sure you brief your staff beforehand on what to look out for and ensure you have went over the guidelines prior to.