Protecting Your Small Business: The Essential Fire Preparedness Plan | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest

10/15/2024 (Permalink)

Protect your business with a safety plan! Contact SERVPRO® for expert guidance on fire prevention and ensure your employees and property stay safe.

As a small business owner, protecting your assets and employees is paramount. One of the most significant threats to your business is fire, which can lead to devastating losses. Creating a fire preparedness plan is crucial for safeguarding your operations and ensuring the safety of your team.

At SERVPRO of Reno Southwest, we are dedicated to helping you develop a comprehensive fire preparedness strategy that will keep your business secure.

Preparing Your Commercial Business for Fall: Safeguarding Against Storm Damage | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest

8/15/2024 (Permalink)

Preparing your commercial property for Fall is easy with these helpful tips and tricks from SERVPRO of Reno Southwest!

As fall approaches in Reno, commercial businesses need to prepare effectively to minimize the potential impact of storm damage. From heavy rains to strong winds and potential winter storms, proactive measures can significantly reduce risks and ensure the safety of your property.

Here are essential strategies to safeguard your business as the fall season approaches.

Restoring Your Reno Business After a Disaster | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.

One of the worst things about disasters is that they often take you by surprise. One minute you are working on this month’s schedule or chatting with an employee, and the next, you are running to the fire extinguisher or your water shutoff valve.

Once your adrenaline wears off and you are surrounded by the reality of your situation, it can be really overwhelming. That’s where SERVPRO of Reno Southwest comes into play! We can help you recover no matter your situation, and we will be with you every step of the way.

The Importance of Planning for Disasters At Your Business | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is here for you when disaster strikes!

Natural disasters are often overwhelming situations and can leave homes and businesses incredibly compromised and damaged. In fact, the chance that your business will suffer some sort of damage due to a natural disaster is increasing because natural disaster situations have increased over the course of the last five years.

Not only that, but disasters are stronger and more damaging than before, leaving behind significant destruction in their wakes.

Natural disasters aren’t the only thing that could impact your business, however. Manmade accidents or situations caused by your employees could also leave you with serious damage.

In either case, it is important to plan for the unexpected! Knowing what is a possibility can help you navigate the unknown with more confidence.

The Business Partner You’ve Been Searching For | SERVPRO® of Reno Southwest

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is your local commercial restoration expert. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

As a manager or owner of a business, you are well aware of how challenging it is to maintain seamless operations. It’s unsurprising that you might need all the assistance you can get when it comes to keeping it afloat. Businesses like yours often have to close their doors permanently as a consequence of downtime or losses caused by a property damage disaster.

On the other hand, when your firm needs cleaning and restoration services, it already has a devoted business partner in Reno. SERVPRO is equipped to address a broad array of commercial cleaning and restoration needs. It’s like having a devoted partner taking care of a whole corner of your success.

Here’s what we mean:

Large Loss Recovery. Fires, storms and flooding are among the most common causes of financial loss for businesses throughout the nation, and they have the potential to cause far more harm if fast action is not taken. When you contact SERVPRO, you are speaking with an expert staff that is ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide proven emergency services and assist you in regaining your footing quickly after a tragedy.

Emergency Ready Plan. If your business is prepared, rehabilitation may begin prior to the occurrence of a disaster. We can help you in selecting the most efficient comeback by developing an Emergency Ready Plan that will be activated right when you need it to. During a crisis, you may need anything from an emergency chain of command to alternate meeting or work locations and more, and we’ll set you up with a single button push that initiates all of these preparations.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We have a cleaning solution for any situation, from trauma scene cleanup and safe biohazard removal to routine carpet and upholstery cleaning and restoration. We’ve been in this business for a long period of time and have seen and cleaned almost everything.

Restoration Services. Flash floods may occur as a consequence of storms. Interns could inadvertently spark a fire. Flooding might pour from a ruptured water main. All of these issues need cleaning and restoration, which is SERVPRO’s specialty. You can rely on us to restore your company’s sparkle after a property damage occurrence.

Industry Specialization. We are capable of assisting any organization since we have spent decades learning about every industry’s particular requirements. We are prepared to tackle any cleaning or restoration requirements your business may have, regardless of how unique or specific they are.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

The Commercial Cleaning Services Your Business Deserves | SERVPRO® of Reno Southwest

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Are you ready to have the cleanest business in town? Contact SERVPRO of Reno Southwest for all your cleaning needs.

SERVPRO is known nationwide for offering custom solutions for homeowners who require restoration services following any kind of accident or disaster. But did you know that we are also passionate about caring for business owners?

We provide restoration services for storm, water, fire, smoke and mold—and commercial properties are no exception! We even offer commercial services to help provide a clean, welcoming condition.

Commercial Services for Businesses of Any Kind or Size

As we know, business owners have a lot on their plate, so SERVPRO makes it our goal to help take some of the burden. You focus more on the business’ efficiency, and we focus on keeping your business beautiful and clean. We work with all types of businesses, including:

Retail facilities, like boutique shops, grocery stores or chain stores. It doesn’t matter if you have a small local business or a nationally known chain store, we treat you both the same! We give you facilities that you can be proud of.

Educational facilities, like after-school tutoring offices, karate classes or schools. In industries that involve lots of children, it’s imperative that you clean the commonly used items. Even regular cleaning isn’t always effective. Cleaning by students and teachers only removes half the bacteria from desks.

Health facilities, like assisted living centers, doctors’ offices or hospitals. In these facilities, health is the No. 1 priority so sanitation is a mandate! We not only meet that mandate, but we even go above and beyond the CDC standards.

Foodservice facilities, like restaurants, distribution centers or manufacturing centers. When food is involved, cleanliness is essential. With that said, we make it a priority to ensure that cleanliness and sanitation are not something you have to worry about.

Property management, including sky rises, businesses or apartment complexes. The lobby of these places is the first thing people see when they walk in. We can make this an experience for them, rather than a boring lobby.

People get sick, it’s a given; and sadly, the workforce can lose $260 billion per year in lost productivity. Call us today and let us help you create a germ-free and healthy work environment.

When you’re ready to have the cleanest business in town, we’re ready to help. Contact your local SERVPRO to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

Reno Businesses Can Count on a Certified Clean Space | SERVPRO® of Reno Southwest

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of Reno Southwest to learn more.

If you own a business here in Reno, we want to ask you an important question. And it’s one you can probably answer pretty quickly.

Have you changed the way you operate your business during the pandemic?

You probably answered yes to that question. Most business owners have spent the last months of the pandemic searching for ways to stay relevant and continue to provide services.

Given everything that’s happened over the past 12 months, that’s understandable.

Most of us can agree that navigating the pandemic has been incredibly stressful, especially for people seeking to keep their local business operating. That’s understandable, too. We’ve never been asked to rethink how we live, interact and do business in such a short time before now.

Regardless of if you’ve decided that home offices and digital services are the way to go or if you want to open your doors to your business again for in-person connections, our technicians are here for you.

Tools for Businesses Facing Challenging Times

You can connect with powerful resources, including business loans and tips, advice and more from sources you can trust.

You’ll also want to find ways to keep your business clean and safe. That’s where our team comes in.

We’re here to ensure your business is “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.” What does that mean? Here’s what to know:

The process begins when we consult with you about your business’ needs and organize an individualized cleaning plan.

Then, we’ll get to work and clean your space. Our technicians use a high-level system to ensure you’re ready for customers. We use proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions. Plus, we use cleaning and decontamination standards directly from the CDC.

Finally, we’ll certify your space. That means you can rest assured that you’re ready to be open for business.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

Evaluation for Your Business’ Disaster Preparedness | SERVPRO® of Reno Southwest

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

The importance of planning ahead is not lost on business owners, but they may underestimate the need to plan ahead for a disaster or emergency.

Businesses that do not have a preparedness plan in place tend to be hit harder by disasters—not necessarily physically, but in the overall impact it has on the business. By doing an evaluation of your preparedness, you can determine where to strengthen your efforts and ensure you are fully protected.

By breaking preparedness into three sections, business owners can more easily determine where they are strong in their preparedness and where they could stand to do more. Here are the three categories we think all business owners should prioritize:

Your Commercial Insurance Coverage

Unfortunately, commercial insurance coverage does not always provide adequate protection when it comes to a disaster. Not only can disasters cause damage that is more costly than the average policy, but some common scenarios are explicitly excluded, such as in the case of flood-related damage or loss of revenue due to damages. It is best to know in advance what your policy will cover and learn of your options for purchasing extra protections.

Your Emergency Plan and Supply Kit

When the alert is sent out about a natural disaster, or if an emergency like a fire occurs, there will often only be minutes to react. Having an evacuation plan is vital to keep both you and your employees safe in this scenario. It is also wise to plan for a situation in which you will have to await help and stay on-site during an emergency such as a power outage. Stock an office emergency supply bag with enough food, water and medical supplies to cover anyone who may be present.

Your Plan for Restoration and Recovery

Limiting the time that your business must remain closed due to a disaster is advised to minimize the negative impacts it has on your business. Picking your restoration company ahead of time is one of the best ways to do this—by calling them right away, you can get your restoration process started and prevent any scheduling delays. You should also be aware of the disaster assistance loan program from the Small Business Administration in case you are eligible.

If your business has been impacted by a disaster, you can contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for guidance on how to begin the commercial restoration process.

Commercial Vandalism - What now?

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

When your business has been vandalized, allowing the damage to remain on your building give off-putting opinions or feelings from your employees, clients and customers. Our professionals at SERVPRO of Reno Southwest are available to you 24/7 – 365 days a year! We are licensed and work with most major insurance companies to be at your building within moments of your call.

We fully understand how your business can be disrupted by destructive acts of vandalism. This is why we work quickly to get your building back to “Like it never even happened.” Our knowledgeable and highly trained technicians have the innovative tools and experience to quickly and effectively remove paint and other substances from your buildings windows, floors, walls and upholstered furnishings. This will allow you to get your business back to normal quickly and efficiently.

Our services for vandalism include:

• Board-up
• Pack-Out & Content Management
• Power Washing
• Window Cleaning
• Carpet Cleaning
• Steam Cleaning
• Anti-Microbial Application

Don’t know what to do next? We do. Call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest TODAY! 775-852-6480! We will be onsite and getting you back to business as usual quickly!

Commercial Bio Hazard? Call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest TODAY!

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

While owning or managing a commercial building do you know who to call for a blood spill? Urine or Feces Clean-Up? Both of these scenarios can happen easily in your place of business. By understanding the reasoning behind professional clean-up or restoration you will potentially save yourself, employees, tenants or customers much unneeded stress and potential health risks.

Blood Spills:

Blood spills are typically defined as ANY amount of blood that has left a body. This can mean a slip and fall with skin break or possibly a crime has been committed. Blood spills can pose major safety hazards that can result in disease if not handled by a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Reno Southwest. We have the knowledge to restore the area so that they are free of diseases or risks such as hepatitis, HIV and other blood borne pathogens. Our work is not complete until we have removed and PROPERLY disposed of all the contaminated materials in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Urine and Feces Clean-Up:

Human and animal excrement are bio hazardous materials. SERVPRO of Reno Southwest’s technicians follow all of the professional safety norms all while utilizing specialized equipment and training protocols. If left untreated or treated poorly yourself, employees, tenants or customers may be subjected to disease or viruses such as: hepatitis A, E. Coli, rotovirus and norovirus. All of which can be easily avoided by calling in a bio hazard professional such as SERVPRO of Reno Southwest.

If your building has had a blood spill or other bodily fluid issue please call us today at 775-852-6480 – 24/7 – 365 Days a Year!

Mold Remediation in Commercial Buildings & Schools

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Concerns with indoor mold exposure has been steadily increasing as we as a society gain more knowledge of the adverse health effects it can cause. What are some things you as the building managers, custodians, and maintenance supervisors need to know?

Molds can be found on almost ANY surface particularly if it is porous material. Mold can grow on virtually ANY organic substance. Mold requires only the presence of moisture and oxygen to grow. Some molds can grow on paper, carpet, wood, drywall and insulation. Whenever you have excess moisture accumulating in buildings or on building materials there is a probability of mold growth. It is IMPOSSIBLE to eliminate ALL mold spores in the indoor environment, however with proper mitigation we can get the buildings contamination levels down to SAFE zones.

It is imperative that you reach out to a company such as SERVPRO of Reno Southwest to properly mitigate the damages caused by mold growth. We have the training, knowledge and equipment to be able to SAFELY mitigate ANY mold issues your building is experiencing. Call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest today to set up your free inspection and estimate!!!! 775-852-6480 – 24/7 – 365 Days A Year!!!!    

Commercial Fire Loss - What do I do?

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

CONTACT A FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION COMPANY

Business owners face special challenges after a fire loss. Property damage is just ONE thing a business owner has to consider. The impact of a fire reaches your customers, employees, tenants, inventory and business interruption. You need to work with a company that can help you make it “ "Like it never even happened." ”. You need a company that has the knowledge and the power behind them to get you back up and running with as little lag time as possible. SERVPRO of Reno Southwest IS that company. By contacting us you will have quality and well trained technicians walking you thru the process of securing and protecting from additional damage, properly cleaning and sanitizing. This will allow your business to get back up and running at the earliest possible time frame.

“ The data we’ve gathered reveals a consistent pattern of business failure shortly after the start of a fire, which can lead both to inventory problems and a difficulty attracting customers “ said SBA ( SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION) administrator Karen Mills whose staff researched business that had experienced fires, in preparing the report.   

Mold in a Commercial Building...... What happens next?

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

What is Mold Remediation??

Mold is in fact present EVERYWHERE! An excess of mold growth in your business can adversely affect your indoor air quality ( IAQ ) in many different ways. Mold issues can develop even in the cleanest building. Mold Remediation is the process of bringing mold levels in your commercial building back to normal levels.

How do I know if I have a mold problem?

Mold often times is not a visible issue. Damp, musty odors, allergy sufferers, or an increase in asthma symptoms are all possible signs of increased mold growth. This is the time to call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest as mold continues to grow until the source of moisture is identified and repaired.

What are the possible health and safety concerns in regards to mold for my employees, customers or myself?

Whenever there is an overgrowth of mold, there are several health concerns to be thinking about. People without asthma can still experience coughing, sneezing, and other breathing problems. People with an actual allergy to mold can experience severe health issues and in some extreme cases can lead to an infection in the lungs. People who are asthmatic are advised NOT to enter an area that there is possible mold over growth.

Can’t I just take care of this myself? I mean its JUST mold……..

Trying to repair the damage caused by mold growth by yourself can actually create even bigger issues for you by spreading the spores into unaffected areas. Without proper training and equipment you can make the issue at hand much worse, which can increase the cost of remediation by significant amounts. A company such as SERVPRO of Reno Southwest can help you find the source of the mold, repair the issue and complete the remediation process. Save yourself a lot of time, money and valuable resources by call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest today at 775-852-6480!!!!!

Severe storm weather and your business.... 8 Steps to prepare!

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Here are 8 steps to take BEFORE a winter storm hits!!!!

 1. Stay Informed

 Monitor for severe winter weather at the NOAA ( National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ) National Weather Service.

 2. Know Terminology

 In order to appropriately prepare for a winter storm, you need to know and understand the major weather terminology.

• Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions, such as ice and/or heavy snow are possible in the next 12-36 hours. – START PREPARING NOW!

• Winter Storm Warning : Severe winter conditions are EXPECTED in the next 12-24 hours; 4-6 inches of snow or sleet, or ¼ inch or more of ice is expected. – SEEK SHELTER

• Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds ( gusts up to 35 mph or greater ) can produce a blinding snow ( near zero visibility ), deep drifts, and life threatening wind chill that is EXPECTED to occur for three hours or longer.

3. Emergency Supplies – STOCK UP!

 Stocking up on emergency supplies is imperative to your business surviving severe winter weather. Items to consider purchasing are: a stand by electric generator for emergency power, sandbags, shovel, road salts for parking lots or ice melt.

4. Establish shelter location on your property

 Employees and customers should always be informed about shelter locations on your property. Wherever you choose to have shelter locations the following are things to think about as you create that space:

• Can this space house your employees and customers comfortably for hours to possibly days?
• Do you have flashlights – enough for one per person?
• Do you have some form of nourishment in the event of a blizzard?
• Do you have enough water for each person?
• First Aide Kit
• Blankets

5. Have a business emergency or continuity plan

 You must be prepared for power outages. You need to determine what kind of electric generator will best suit your needs. Maintaining  an on going inventory of all equipment and assets for your business in the event of any structural damage. Install surge protectors to protect electronic equipment like desk top computers.

 6. Determine a back-up heat source

Heating sources should only be used in a well ventilated room to avoid lethal carbon monoxide gas. Fire extinguishers should always be on hand whenever using electronic or a secondary heating system.

7. Use battery powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

When there is a lack of power electronic monitoring equipment can quit working or malfunction. For this reason we always suggest using battery powered detecting equipment.

8. Adjust Employee Hours

 Consider whether you will need to reschedule work hours. Possibly encourage employees to work from home if possible. AVOID all strenuous outdoor labor and postpone nonessential meetings or tasks.

Commercial Water Damage Tips

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Tip: Inspect, Repair, Repeat

Stuff gets old. It breaks. It fails. When plumbing or water-management equipment in your commercial facility fails, the resulting water damage restoration costs can stack up fast. So the operative word for commercial water damage prevention is maintenance.

1. Routinely inspect all visible plumbing
2. Test Basement Sump Pumps
3. Check Exterior Gutters and Downspouts
4. Muck out drainage ditches and storm drains
5. Ensure roof structures are in good condition  

One thing most commercial property managers agree on is that water damage in a commercial property is one of the most costly problems you can have. Often time costing thousands of dollars in mitigation repairs and loss of income. Proper property maintenance is essential in lowering this risk. Do not cut corners on repairs or maintenance. The dollars saved will not ever compare to the dollars lost by shoddy workmanship on the property.

Commercial Water Damage Tip: Call SERVPRO OF RENO SOUTHWEST

A huge key of any emergency planning is knowing HOW to get the help you need WHEN you need it! SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is the company Reno/Sparks and surrounding areas business owners trust when faced with potentially scary and costly commercial water damage issues. If you find your business disrupted by water damage, call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest today at 775-852-6480!!!!

Carbon Monoxide Safety

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a good story from a local mom raising awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

https://www.kolotv.com/content/news/Local-mom-raises-awareness-to-help-prevent-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-503000902.html 

In January of 2018, Karen Weiss' son, Hunter, died because of carbon monoxide poisoning. He and a friend were driving home when they decided to pull over to sleep and keep warm using a small propane heater.

"I'm sure the boys thought by having one window open that would be enough," she says. "But I have since learned that you need to have a cross draft in order for that not to happen."

Weiss says she wants to use this tragedy to help make sure this doesn't happen to other families.

"I don't want any other moms, or dads for that matter, to go through what I've gone through because it's horrible and if we can just save one more life then I've done my job," Weiss says.

Experts warn that heating devices that burn fossil fuels like portable camping and heating stoves can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

"Those are the items that produce carbon monoxide and when it's not properly ventilated the person becomes sick with flu-like symptoms, headache and becomes nauseous," Reno Fire Marshal, Tray Palmer, says. 

Palmer says it's especially dangerous because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. He says if anyone is experiencing these symptoms, they should call for help.

"Don't be afraid to call," Palmer says. "That's why you pay taxes. W're here to respond."

Palmer says that RFD receives a higher volume of carbon monoxide related calls during the winter months because people turn on their heating systems and mistakenly warm their cars in garages.

Palmer recommends you install a carbon monoxide detector in your home near the bedrooms.

The CDC has these additional tips:

- Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year
- Do not use portable flame less chemical heaters indoors
- Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes
- Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year, and make sure your fireplace damper is open before lighting a fire and well after the fire is extinguished
- Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly
- Never use a gas oven for heating your home
- Never let a car idle in the garage
- Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Masonic Building

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a stroy from a building downtown that is being torn down with lots of history to the community.

https://www.kolotv.com/content/news/Lost-history-Reno-loses-its-oldest-building-502745061.html

In our rush to build the future where we will live, we often waste little time on a backward glance. So, after a century and a half of history, there's little beyond museum photographs to track where we came from. 

Today's downtown skyline contains few tangible mileposts of that history. Longtime residents remember some landmarks, now gone, and the rare debates that preceded their passing.

A few of those discussions were contentious. The Mapes Hotel imploded after years of argument in spite of its listing on the National Historical Register. The Virginia Street Bridge, an easier call after a series of Truckee River floods, is still missed by some.

We gave little thought to the two-story brick building at Commercial Row and Sierra Street. It never ranked as a landmark in our eyes, but its place in our history should be noted as we're about to bid it goodbye.

Built in 1872 as Reno's Masonic Hall, it's just about our last link to that time when Reno was growing from a dusty frontier crossroads to a real community. 

"It was a hub,"says Sheryln Hayes-Zorn of the Nevada Historical Society. "Freight trains and freight coming in and out of Reno, going to California, going up to Virginia City. It was a booming and bustling community."

Reno's Masons erected an imposing structure for its time right on Commercial Row, then the center of all that our city was becoming. It served not only them, but other fraternal organizations, the kinds of groups that make a community more than a collection of buildings and people.

"That's how people got together, had socials, raised money for their members and for people who had disadvantages."

The lodge was on the second floor. The first was always occupied by a retail store. For 70 years it was home to Reno Mercantile, selling hardware, groceries and just about everything else a growing community needed.

Built of brick, it survived two major fires that destroyed much around it. It also survived depressions and recessions, and the periods of expansion that doomed its contemporaries and most of what followed.

As the downtown evolved, retail moved elsewhere, the Masons too; it found no new purpose. In recent decades it's been closed, used only for storage. 

Truth is, most of us gave it little if any thought.

Soon it too will be gone, making way for a multi-story extended stay hotel connected with its next door neighbor, the Whitney Peak. Interior demolition has already begun. Soon the walls that witnessed all that history will also be just a memory.

"It's just one more that's going away and it's sad, but there's so much growth. They have new ideas what they want to use the space for."

Roof Damages

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a link to the wind advisory that will be affecting us the next few days.

http://www.kolotv.com/weather/alerts

Winter Weather Advisory

Areas Affected: Greater Lake Tahoe Area

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 AM PDT THURSDAY... 

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches, with 6 to 12 inches above 7000 feet, are expected. 

* WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. 

* WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 9 AM PDT Thursday. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... Gusty winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph will cause choppy conditions on Lake Tahoe through the evening. Plan on slippery road conditions, including during the evening and morning commutes. Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times and travel delays over the passes.

Even light snowfall causes major travel delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. Leave extra space between vehicles since it takes longer to stop on slick roadways. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Car Crash

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a story of a drunken driver who crashed their vehicle into a barber shop. The barber shop experienced minimal damage but the windows were broken. This is a great example of our services that we at SERVPRO can do for any business that needs to be boarded up and then cleaned up after the accident.

http://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/03/07/driver-crashes-into-downtown-reno-barbershop-destroys-waiting-area/404245002/

An unidentified driver crashed an SUV into Derby Supply Co. barbershop in downtown Reno at 3 a.m. Wednesday. The vehicle punched a hole in through a window and two-foot thick brick, destroying custom furniture, photographs, antiques and causing water damage to the interior.

“I’m so glad it didn’t happen during the day," said barbershop owner Vinnie Gravallese. "If I was working at my station and someone was over (in the waiting area) it would’ve definitely taken me, and anyone waiting, out.”

Reno Police have not yet provided additional details about the driver or other circumstances of the crash on First and Sierra streets next to the parking garage. The story will be updated when police compile a report

New downtown district

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a story from KOLOTV about a new district in the community.

http://www.kolotv.com/content/news/BID-Renos-newest-district-coming-soon--475942573.html

From getting rid of the trash to helping the homeless, cleaning up the downtown area has been a priority for the Reno City Council. 

Neoma Jardon, Vice Mayor for the City of Reno, says the creation of the Business Improvement District, or BID, will make the area safer and more inviting.

"Well, I think that anybody that's been downtown can see that downtown needs some attention," says Jardon. "From the cleanliness of the streets to augmented security and having ambassadors downtown that will really interface with our homeless to connect them with services. That is a big part of the Reno Business Improvement District and something that is sorely needed."

As part of the plan, property owners in the downtown area would be charged a fee, which would fund a private organization that would oversee BID functions and services and champion downtown. The fee would be based on property value and would replace the fees of Special Assessment Districts already in place. While the City says the vast majority of homeowners in downtown would see their assessed fee go down, this would be a new fee for churches and nonprofit organizations that have been exempt from the SAD fees. 

Neoma Jardon, Vice Mayor for the City of Reno, says the creation of the Business Improvement District, or BID, will make the area safer and more inviting.

"Well, I think that anybody that's been downtown can see that downtown needs some attention," says Jardon. "From the cleanliness of the streets to augmented security and having ambassadors downtown that will really interface with our homeless to connect them with services. That is a big part of the Reno Business Improvement District and something that is sorely needed."

As part of the plan, property owners in the downtown area would be charged a fee, which would fund a private organization that would oversee BID functions and services and champion downtown. The fee would be based on property value and would replace the fees of Special Assessment Districts already in place. While the City says the vast majority of homeowners in downtown would see their assessed fee go down, this would be a new fee for churches and nonprofit organizations that have been exempt from the SAD fees.

Large Loss Disaster Recovery

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO of Reno Southwest, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Universities
• Municipalities
• Hospitals

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Here locally we took care of our community with the Washoe Fire and the Caughlin Fire. We hope that as a community we do not go through this again but we are a high desert with strong winds. It could definitely happen again. If you do need our services please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Reno Southwest.

How we can help

2/15/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when you have an emergency water event, SERVPRO of Reno Southwest offers fast, 24 hour emergency services, 365 days per year.

At SERVPRO of Reno Southwest we have the training, experience, and equipment to manage water and flooding damage. Whether you have a large water emergency or a small water damage event, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

We are here to help in any way possible to get you back into doing what you do best, serving your customers. Just like our tagline states "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Cleaning Services

2/15/2018 (Permalink)

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in your local team at SERVPRO of Reno Southwest. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO of Reno Southwest to make your work space look its very best.

We at SERVPRO of Reno Southwest will get the job done right and get it done quickly, because the SERVPRO Advantage includes these benefits:

• Award-winning training
• Over 40 years’ experience in the industry
• More than 100 exclusive cleaning products

Some of our services include:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
• Document Restoration
• Drapes and Blinds
• Odor Removal
• Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism

Carbon Monoxide: A silent cold weather killer

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. According to ready.gov, an average of 430 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. Oftentimes, it is the result of faulty, improperly used, or vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters, and engine powered equipment, such as portable generators. 

However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family, and your employees from deadly CO fumes.

Reduce the chance of CO exposure in your workplace by perfroming regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, including outside of all bedrooms.

Consider having all fuel burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional. Use portable generators only in well ventilated areas away from doors, windows, vents, and any other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.

For additional CO safety information visit usfa.fema.gov or osha.gov

Here is a story that occurred here locally.

http://www.ktvn.com/story/37293921/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-suspected-in-lcso-crash