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.
快速解答
这门免费课程包含约25分钟的课文和一套25道题的测试。得分达到80%或以上即可下载结业证书(私人颁发,未经认证)。 已于2026年10月11日根据官方资料核对。
你将学到什么
- 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
得分达到80%或以上即可下载证书。
-
第1题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第2题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第3题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第4题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第5题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第6题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第7题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第8题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第9题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第10题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第11题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第12题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第13题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第14题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第15题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第16题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第17题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第18题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第19题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第20题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第21题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第22题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第23题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第24题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
-
第25题,共25题
显示答案
答案: 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.
键盘:按1–4作答,按 Enter 进入下一题。
考前须知
- 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.
常见问题
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.
这份证书是否经过认证或获得官方认可?
不是。这是一份私人颁发的结业证书,仅用于知识学习。它未获得任何政府、执照发放机构、监管机构或教育机构的认可、认证或批准,也不能替代法律要求的任何执照、资格证书或培训。
资料来源
- 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