PassEveryTest

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.

  • Kurs
  • Kanada
  • 25 frågor
  • Kontrollerad 11 oktober 2026

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.

Börja med lektionernaVacant Property Checks Course: Lessons: cirka 25 minuters läsning. Alla provfrågor tas upp i lektionerna.

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.

  1. Fråga 1 av 25

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

    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.

  2. Fråga 2 av 25

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

    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.

  3. Fråga 3 av 25

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

    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.

  4. Fråga 4 av 25

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

    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.

  5. Fråga 5 av 25

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

    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.

  6. Fråga 6 av 25

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

    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.

  7. Fråga 7 av 25

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

    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.

  8. Fråga 8 av 25

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

    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.

  9. Fråga 9 av 25

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

    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.

  10. Fråga 10 av 25

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

    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.

  11. Fråga 11 av 25

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

    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.

  12. Fråga 12 av 25

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

    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.

  13. Fråga 13 av 25

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

    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.

  14. Fråga 14 av 25

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

    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.

  15. Fråga 15 av 25

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

    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.

  16. Fråga 16 av 25

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

    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.

  17. Fråga 17 av 25

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

    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.

  18. Fråga 18 av 25

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

    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.

  19. Fråga 19 av 25

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

    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.

  20. Fråga 20 av 25

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

    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.

  21. Fråga 21 av 25

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

    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.

  22. Fråga 22 av 25

    Which item belongs on a vacant property checklist?
    Visa svar

    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.

  23. Fråga 23 av 25

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

    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.

  24. Fråga 24 av 25

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

    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.

  25. Fråga 25 av 25

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

    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.

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

Relaterade prov