Project of REACH Edmonton Council and Edmonton Stop Marijuana Grow Ops Coalition

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1 Project of REACH Edmonton Council and Edmonton Stop Marijuana Grow Ops Coalition

2 Indications of a Possible Marijuana Grow Operation Residence frequently appears vacant Visitors come and go at odd hours, entering/leaving the home quickly Untidy exterior appearance of the property Use of props to deflect suspicion such as: lights, radio and/or TV on for 24 hours Beware of Dog/Guard Dog signs to deter trespassing Windows kept closed, covered or barred Excess condensation on window panes Unusual number of roof vents and unusual locations Lack of snow on the roof in winter months Strange odor emanating from the house or skunky odour of growing marijuana Sounds of electrical humming, fans or trickling water Extra security cameras Unusual garbage: stockpiled, no garbage or unusual items (e.g. pots and soil, fertilizer containers, wiring, PVC piping) Electricity meter is often tampered with or bypassed

3 Health and Safety Risks Marijuana Grow Operations pose potential risks to neighbourhoods, and to people inside and outside of the building, including: Health Effects Increased Crime and Violence Higher Utility Costs Access Dangers Serious injury may occur if emergency responders, meter readers, mail carriers, or innocent children wander onto the property. Children that may live in a house used for a marijuana grow operation are exposed to physical dangers High heat and humidity Mould spores, particulate and toxins Reduced oxygen atmosphere Increased levels of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and CO (Carbon Monoxide) Grow ops can attract gangs and drug related criminal activity Susceptibility to extortion and home invasion Exposure to theft, fraud, violence Potential risk of physical harm to all citizens Grow operations use large amounts of water and electricity Utility thefts frequently occur Utility thefts result in increased billing rates To discourage entry, the premises may be rigged with booby-traps Door handles may be connected to live electrical wires Spikes or spring-loaded knives may be present in entranceways Weapons and guard dogs may be present

4 Fire and Explosion Hazard Electrical Hazard Poisonous Gas and Chemicals Structural Damage Fires can be caused by Overloaded electrical systems, and improper or exposed wiring Extreme heat generated by high-intensity light bulbs/ballasts Modified or tampered gas lines and propane tanks Dangerous electrical connections have the potential to cause harm High electrical demand may exist due to equipment such as highintensity lights, humidifiers, air conditioning and cooling systems in use Tampering, electrical bypasses, and improper wiring may result in electrical fires Shock and electrocution risks increase Indoor grow operations and alterations to the chimney venting of furnaces, hot water heaters may result in air quality problems. Increased levels of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and CO (Carbon Monoxide) Reduced oxygen levels Build up of poisonous gases and hazardous liquids from chemicals used Structural modifications affect the integrity of the home Holes in walls and foundation Modified structures / addition of walls or other non-code installations Water damage and mould growth as a result of high humidity

5 Tips for Landlords / Property Managers Most marijuana grow operations are set up in residential or commercial rental properties. Often they are altered to accommodate equipment needed to grow marijuana. Interview prospective tenant and request photo identification Obtain credit history and employment information Request references from employers and previous landlords Be suspicious if they insist on paying cash without a known source of income Check the property regularly (every 4-5 weeks) During inspections be alert for signs of potential grow operations including: holes in walls, tampering with fireplaces or exhaust vents, and other indicators Have a detailed lease or rental agreement stating who will be residing in or using the premises

6 Report a Grow op Grow ops are a danger to your neighbourhood. If you spot a grow op, report it immediately to Crime Stoppers at: T I P S ReachEdmonton.ca facebook.com/reachedmonton To order brochures please info@reachedmonton.ca