Break Down, Clean Up, and Storage

The Cleanup committee provides a fresh group of volunteers at the end of the event to clean up, dismantle, store, return items and disburse leftover food following the event.

Considerations

• Anyone who has not been present at the end of a Grad Night event may be alarmed at what they see. Reassure the cleanup volunteers that the facilities are usually returned to their original state within several hours.
• Persons who stayed all night should NOT be included on this committee as they will be exhausted.
• If possible, try to have each committee break down their own equipment as they have a better idea of how it can best be accomplished, what to save, etc.
• Try to establish good rapport with the event facility custodial staff before the event in order to ensure cooperation after the event.
• Have each item premarked with a standard code by the committees using the items. Apply colored self-adhesive labels using a different color to designate what is to be saved, thrown away, returned to lenders, given away, and/or readied for pick-up by others.

Have available:

• Large trash bags
• Adjustable wrenches
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Rubber bands for posters)
• Storage boxes (for decorations)
• Magic markers (for labeling)
• Van or small truck

Plan on total clean-up time to include breakdown, removal, transportation, storage and cleanup. Storage facilities should be arranged well in advance. The school may be able to provide space. If this is not a first year event, be sure to determine how much new space will be needed. If necessary, arrange for storage space to be rented-and find a way to pay for it.

Food clean up should be done by a separate group of people. Coordinate the removal of salvageable food with the food chairperson. Foil, plastic bags, and grocery bags will be needed to transport leftover food.

In most cases the event facility will provide a staff member to help sweep and mop or shampoo carpets.