Vacant Property Checks Course 2026
This course is for security guards and mobile patrol officers who check vacant homes, closed stores and empty commercial buildings. It covers why vacant buildings are at risk, how to plan and carry out a check, hazards like gas and needles, and how to deal safely and respectfully with people found on the property.
In breve
Questo corso gratuito ha circa 25 minuti di lezioni e un test di 25 domande. Con l’80% o più puoi scaricare un attestato di completamento (privato, non accreditato). Verificato sulle fonti ufficiali in data 11 ottobre 2026.
Cosa imparerai
- Explain why vacant buildings face higher risks of fire, theft and damage
- Plan a vacant property check with a lone-worker check-in
- Carry out an exterior and interior check and record findings with notes and photos
- Respond safely to gas smells, needles, water leaks and power lines
- Speak respectfully with people sheltering on a property and know when to call police
Ottieni almeno l’80% per scaricare il tuo attestato.
-
Domanda 1 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. Fire, including arson
Lethbridge's fire prevention bureau lists fire (accidental or set on purpose), vandalism, theft, weather, vermin and squatting as the main risks.
-
Domanda 2 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. Keep unwanted people out, reduce the chance of fire and limit fire spread
Lethbridge cites Sections 2.4.6 and 6.1.1.2 of the NFC(AE) and says their intent is to prevent unwanted entry, reduce the likelihood of fire and limit fire spread.
-
Domanda 3 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. Secured against unauthorized entry
Vancouver's Fire By-law, Sentence 2.4.6.1.(1) of Division B, requires vacant buildings to be secured against unauthorized entry.
-
Domanda 4 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: A. It creates a fire hazard and can feed an arson fire
Fire codes, such as Sentence 2.4.1.1.(1) cited by Vancouver, forbid combustible waste in amounts or places that create an undue fire hazard. Report it so it can be removed.
-
Domanda 5 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. Water pipes and sprinkler pipes can freeze, burst and flood the building
Lethbridge warns that shutting off utilities can freeze water and sprinkler pipes, which can burst and flood when temperatures rise.
-
Domanda 6 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. A loose or pried-off board on a window or door
Damaged boards, broken locks, fresh footprints and open windows suggest entry. Record and report them right away.
-
Domanda 7 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: B. Notes with times plus dated photos of each problem
Time-stamped notes and photos give the owner and police a clear record of the building's condition and any changes.
-
Domanda 8 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. So no one can predict when a guard will arrive
A predictable routine lets thieves and vandals plan around you. Varying times makes the site a harder target.
-
Domanda 9 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. Tell dispatch or a contact where they are and when they will check in
CCOHS advises a check-in plan for lone workers: where you are, when you will call, and what happens if you do not.
-
Domanda 10 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: A. Leave right away, without using light switches or your phone inside, and call from a safe distance
Gas utilities advise leaving immediately, not using switches, phones or electronics inside, and calling the gas utility or 911 from a safe distance.
-
Domanda 11 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. Do not touch it with bare hands; report it for safe pickup into a sharps container, following site procedure
Needles must go into a puncture-resistant sharps container. Only trained staff with proper tools should pick them up.
-
Domanda 12 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. Rinse the wound well with running water and wash gently with soap
CCOHS says to rinse the site with running water, wash gently with soap, report it to your employer immediately and follow medical advice.
-
Domanda 13 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: B. Report it to the employer right away and get medical follow-up
CCOHS says to report the exposure to your employer immediately and follow medical professionals' instructions for treatment and follow-up.
-
Domanda 14 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: B. Stay clear of wet electrical areas, report it right away and follow post orders to reach the owner or emergency contact
Water and electricity together are dangerous. Report quickly so the owner can stop the damage.
-
Domanda 15 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: B. Do not enter alone; step back, report to dispatch and follow post orders, calling police if needed
Entering alone where someone may be inside puts both of you at risk. Report it and get the right help.
-
Domanda 16 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: B. Calmly and respectfully, explaining that they need to leave and offering information about services
Respect and calm communication keep everyone safe. Offering information about shelters and services can help the person.
-
Domanda 17 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: B. 2-1-1
211 is a free, confidential service, available 24/7 in most of Canada, that connects people to housing, food and other community services.
-
Domanda 18 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. Not leaving immediately when directed by the occupier or their agent
Section 2 makes it an offence to enter when entry is prohibited, or to fail to leave immediately when directed by the occupier or a person authorized by them.
-
Domanda 19 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: A. Step back, keep your distance and call police
Alberta's guidance advises owners to call law enforcement to deal with trespassers. Using force can lead to injury and criminal liability.
-
Domanda 20 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: B. Call 911, keep people back and do not go inside
Vacant buildings may have damaged floors, blocked exits and hidden people. Call 911 and give firefighters information, but do not enter.
-
Domanda 21 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. Do not go in; move to a safe spot, call police and watch the exits
An intruder may still be inside. Wait for police at a safe distance and note anyone who leaves.
-
Domanda 22 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. Doors, windows and boards secure
A vacant property checklist covers doors, windows, boards, locks, fences, signs of entry, utilities, water leaks and fire hazards.
-
Domanda 23 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. They can show that someone has been around or into the building since the last snowfall
Fresh tracks to a door or window can reveal recent entry. Photograph them and check the entry point from outside.
-
Domanda 24 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. At least 10 metres
Utilities advise staying at least 10 metres away from a downed line and calling 911 or the utility. It can be live even if not sparking.
-
Domanda 25 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. It should be disconnected as soon as practicable through the gas utility
Vancouver's bulletin says natural gas should be disconnected as soon as practicable by asking the utility company.
Tastiera: 1–4 per rispondere, Invio per la domanda successiva.
Cosa sapere prima del test
- Lethbridge's fire prevention bureau cites the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition) Section 2.4.6, which aims to keep unwanted people out of vacant buildings and reduce fire risk.
- Vancouver's Fire By-law requires vacant buildings to be secured against unauthorized entry, and sets a minimum board-up standard.
- If you smell gas, leave right away, do not use switches or phones inside, and call from a safe distance.
- After a needlestick injury, rinse with running water, wash gently with soap and report it to your employer immediately.
- 211 is a free, confidential, 24/7 service in most of Canada that connects people to shelters and community services.
Domande frequenti
Should a guard go inside a vacant building?
Only if your post orders allow it and it is safe. Never enter alone if you see signs of forced entry, smoke, a gas smell or people inside. Report and call police or 911 instead.
What should I do if someone is living in a vacant building?
Do not go in alone. Step back, report to dispatch and follow post orders. If you speak with the person, be calm and respectful, explain they need to leave, and offer information such as 211. Call police if there is a risk or they refuse to leave.
Are vacant building rules the same everywhere?
No. Fire codes and bylaws vary by province and city. This course uses Alberta (Lethbridge) and Vancouver as examples. Ask your employer which rules apply to your sites.
What should a vacant property report include?
The time of each check, what you checked, any changes since the last visit, dated photos of problems, who you notified and what action was taken.
L’attestato è accreditato o riconosciuto ufficialmente?
No. È un attestato di completamento privato, solo per le tue conoscenze. Non è riconosciuto, accreditato né approvato da alcun governo, ente di rilascio delle licenze, autorità di regolamentazione o istituto di istruzione e non sostituisce alcuna licenza, certificazione o formazione richiesta dalla legge.
Fonti
- City of Lethbridge: securing vacant buildings
- City of Vancouver: vacant building board-up standard bulletin
- Enbridge Gas: if you smell gas
- CCOHS: needlestick and sharps injuries
- CCOHS: working alone
- 211 Canada
- Ontario Trespass to Property Act
- Government of Alberta: protecting property owners (trespass laws)
- EPCOR: downed power lines