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.

  • Corso
  • Canada
  • 25 domande
  • Verificato: 11 ottobre 2026

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.

Inizia dalle lezioniVacant Property Checks Course: Lessons: circa 25 minuti di lettura. Ogni domanda del test è trattata nelle lezioni.

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.

  1. Domanda 1 di 25

    Which risk is a major reason vacant buildings need regular checks?
    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.

  2. Domanda 2 di 25

    What does the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition), as cited by Lethbridge, aim to do for vacant buildings?
    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.

  3. Domanda 3 di 25

    Under Vancouver's fire rules, how must a vacant building be kept?
    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.

  4. Domanda 4 di 25

    Why should combustible waste not be allowed to pile up in or around a vacant building?
    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.

  5. Domanda 5 di 25

    Why can turning off all utilities in a vacant building in winter cause problems?
    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.

  6. Domanda 6 di 25

    On an exterior check, what is a sign that someone may have entered a vacant building?
    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.

  7. Domanda 7 di 25

    What is the best way to record what you find on a vacant property check?
    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.

  8. Domanda 8 di 25

    Why should vacant property checks be done at different times each visit?
    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.

  9. Domanda 9 di 25

    Before starting a check at a vacant site alone, what should a guard do?
    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.

  10. Domanda 10 di 25

    You smell natural gas when you open the door of a vacant house. What should you do?
    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.

  11. Domanda 11 di 25

    You see a used needle on the floor during a check. What should you do?
    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.

  12. Domanda 12 di 25

    A guard is pricked by a needle found in a vacant building. What is the first step?
    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.

  13. Domanda 13 di 25

    After a needlestick injury, what else must the guard do?
    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.

  14. Domanda 14 di 25

    During an interior check, you see water pouring from the ceiling. What should you do?
    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.

  15. Domanda 15 di 25

    You find signs that a person is sleeping inside a vacant building. What is the best approach?
    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.

  16. Domanda 16 di 25

    A person experiencing homelessness is sheltering on a vacant property. How should a guard speak with them?
    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.

  17. Domanda 17 di 25

    Which free service can connect a person to shelters and community services in most of Canada?
    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.

  18. Domanda 18 di 25

    On a vacant property in Ontario, what does the Trespass to Property Act make an offence?
    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.

  19. Domanda 19 di 25

    A person refuses to leave a vacant property after you tell them to go. What is the safest next step?
    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.

  20. Domanda 20 di 25

    You see smoke coming from a vacant building. What should you do?
    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.

  21. Domanda 21 di 25

    You find a door forced open during a check. What should you do?
    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.

  22. Domanda 22 di 25

    Which item belongs on a vacant property checklist?
    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.

  23. Domanda 23 di 25

    During a winter exterior check, why are footprints in fresh snow useful?
    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.

  24. Domanda 24 di 25

    On a check, you see a power line down on the property. How far back should you stay?
    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.

  25. Domanda 25 di 25

    Under Vancouver's fire rules for vacant buildings no longer meant to be lived in, what should happen with the natural gas supply?
    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.

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.

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