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.
Kort svar
Den här gratiskursen har lektioner på cirka 25 minuter och ett prov med 25 frågor. Med minst 80 % kan du ladda ner ett kursintyg (privat, inte ackrediterat). Kontrollerad mot officiella källor den 11 oktober 2026.
Det här lär du dig
- 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
Få minst 80 % för att ladda ner ditt certifikat.
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Fråga 1 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 2 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 3 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 4 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 5 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 6 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 7 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 8 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 9 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 10 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 11 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 12 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 13 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 14 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 15 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 16 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 17 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 18 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 19 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 20 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 21 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 22 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 23 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 24 av 25
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Svar: 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.
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Fråga 25 av 25
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Svar: 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.
Tangentbord: 1–4 för att svara, Enter för nästa fråga.
Bra att veta före provet
- 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.
Vanliga frågor
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.
Är intyget ackrediterat eller officiellt erkänt?
Nej. Det är ett privat kursintyg, bara för dina kunskaper. Det är inte erkänt, ackrediterat eller godkänt av någon myndighet, tillståndsmyndighet, tillsynsmyndighet eller utbildningsinstitution, och det ersätter inte någon licens, certifiering eller utbildning som krävs enligt lag.
Källor
- 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