Area briefing

CONTRACTORS BOARD REMINDS RESIDENTS ABOUT SCAMS

In recognition of Consumer Protection Week, the Nevada State Contractors Board warned Nevada homeowners of different contracting scams experienced throughout the state.

Residents who believe they have been scammed by a licensed or unlicensed contractor should contact the board’s hot line at 486-1160.

Board officials said they encourage all consumers to educate themselves of the various scam warning signs, become familiar with the process for reporting unscrupulous contracting activity and to verify a contractor’s license at nscb.gov.

COMMON RED FLAGS

Contractors may come to the door immediately surveying damage and selling their services on the spot at a reduced price.

Contractors may say that a written contract is unnecessary.

Contractors may push for an immediate decision about work and not allow the homeowner time to verify their contractor’s license, obtain multiple bids or check contractor references.

Contractors may insist on cash payments, even offering to drive/follow the homeowner to the bank to obtain the funds.

Contractors may say that they need the majority of the funds to purchase supplies and pay workers prior to any work being performed. As a general rule, it is best not to pay more than 10 percent down and not let payments get ahead of the work.

TIPS FOR HIRING LICENSED CONTRACTORS

Obtain at least three bids prior to making your decision.

Ask for references from each contractor and follow up with them to verify the quality and timeliness of the work previously performed for those customers.

Make sure your contract is as detailed as possible, including type/color of materials and payment schedules.

Never sign a contract until you understand all the terms and agreements.

Always obtain a receipt when payment is made. It is advised never to pay in cash — only check or credit card.

Request lien releases after each phase of the project is complete.

It is a criminal offense to contract without a license in Nevada. The first offense is a misdemeanor, the second offense is a gross misdemeanor and the third offense is a Class E felony.

ALEXANDER ROAD OVERPASS CLOSES TEMPORARILY

The Alexander Road overpass at U.S. Highway 95 is scheduled to be closed through the first week of April due to road construction, the Nevada Department of Transportation said.

Motorists are encouraged to use Craig or Gowan roads or Cheyenne Avenue as alternate routes.

The closure is part of the project to widen U.S. Highway 95 from Washington Avenue to Ann Road.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/4h63zj9.

HUNDREDS OF FREE HELMETS DISTRIBUTED TO VALLEY KIDS FOR SNOW SPORTS

A total of 318 youths were given free ski and snowboard helmets during the Lids on Kids program in January and February at the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort, 6725 Lee Canyon Road, on Mount Charleston.

The resort, in conjunction with Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center, outfitted the youngsters with the helmets and helped inform visitors of the importance of wearing a helmet on the slopes.

A total of 1,023 helmets have been distributed at the resort via the program since the 2006-07 season.

For more information, visit skilasvegas.com or call 593-9500.

CLARK COUNTY HOSTS CYBER SECURITY WORKSHOPS

Clark County hosted two kickoff workshops Feb. 29 to provide an overview of cyber security awareness training.

Nevada was selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to receive the training, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and part of the Community Cyber Security Maturity Model program.

The training assists communities in assessing their cyber security awareness, response and recovery capabilities through a series of classes, exercises and post-exercise assessments. Training participants include government leaders, agency directors and business and industry executives. Clark and Washoe counties were the two communities selected to participate in the 14-month program.

The program is designed to help private and public sector leaders become more aware of cyber technology issues so they can better assist their organizations in responding to any security threats that may arise.

PLAYGROUND INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM TO BE OFFERED APRIL 18-19

A Nevada Recreation & Park Society-sponsored certified playground safety inspector course is planned from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18-19 at the Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road, Henderson.

The course focuses on playground hazard identification and risk management methods, and the certification exam is set for 8 a.m. to noon April 20.

Participation is $550 for Nevada Recreation & Park Society and National Recreation and Park Association members or $625 for nonmembers for both the course and the exam.

Those wishing to take only the exam may do so. The cost is $125 for Nevada Recreation & Park Society and National Recreation and Park Association members or $150 for nonmembers.

There are no course prerequisites. Registration is required and can be conducted at nrps.org or by calling 267-4140.

The program trains individuals to recognize and prevent potential playground hazards and prepares them for the certified playground safety inspector examination. Upon successfully passing the exam, participants are certified through the National Recreation and Park Association as playground safety inspectors for a three-year period and should be able to establish a sound risk reduction program; develop a system of repair, retrofit and removal of hazardous equipment; and establish a routine inspection system for their agency or playground owner/client.

The course and certification are offered by the Nevada Recreation & Park Society as part of its annual state conference, which is set for April 18-20 at the Black Mountain Recreation Center. Discounted room rates are available through March 19 at participating hotels. For additional information, visit nrps.org.

The Nevada Recreation & Park Society is a professional association that actively supports the development of the recreation, parks and leisure professions in Nevada. It was established in 1955 and incorporated in 1974.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO ENSURE VISITORS’ SAFETY ON MOUNT CHARLESTON IN WINTER

The U.S. Forest Service is looking for volunteers to help keep Mount Charleston’s thousands of visitors safe in the snow through the end of March.

Snow Play Hosts are to provide roadside information about snow play opportunities and take part in the fun while engaging visitors at winter recreational sites. The hosts also are to help visitors have a fun experience while reducing impacts to the forest.

Experience in volunteering in a similar setting is a plus but not required. Volunteers should be at least age 18 and able to work outdoors in cold conditions.

Hosts will work on weekends and holidays. Average shifts will range between three and six hours. The minimum commitment desired is two shifts per month.

For more information, visit discoverspringmountains.org/volunteer.html or contact Suzanne Hicks at smhicks@fs.fed.uscq or 839-5566.

LIFEGUARD TRAINING AVAILABLE

The city of Las Vegas is offering an American Red Cross lifeguard training course through May at the Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, and the Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive.

Those who successfully complete the course will be certified for two years in lifeguard training, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using an automated external defibrillator.

Participants must be 15 or older.

For more information or to apply, visit lasvegasnevada.gov and click "I want to apply for" and then "jobs" or call 229-6309.