An abandoned structure is any man-made object that is no longer in use. Structures that are part of this definition include buildings, bridges, bunkers, tunnels, sewers, mines, aqueducts, railroad tracks, farms, wells, or houses. An urban explorer can visit these structures in an urban setting, but the term Urban Explorer has not been accurately defined and often not representative of a person necessarily exploring a structure. Below you will find simple steps to follow to recognize, enter, and exit when you are out and about exploring abandoned structures.
Steps
Step 1. Avoid breaking local laws
Trespassing is illegal in many countries and jurisdictions. Private property laws vary from country to country and you should not assume that a legal action in one area is also legal in another. In larger structures, the guardians will grant you access to see the area they preserve.
Step 2. Be careful what you do
Without first speaking to a caretaker or owner, you could be mistaken for an abusive, vandal, arsonist, or someone trying to recover something. Make your intentions clear to avoid unfounded accusations.
Step 3. Find a site to explore
In most cases, the structures you are trying to explore have caught your attention during other activities, rather than a deliberate search. However facilities not mentioned are overlooked and can only be found by traveling around the city or town. You can also find places to explore by people with similar interests or on internet forums.
Step 4. Walk around the perimeter
What are the possible entrances (or exits if you need to escape)? Windows, unlocked doors, doors that can be forced open (with legal notice), roofs, tunnels, and holes are all possible entry points into abandoned buildings.
Step 5. Decide when to enter
Sometimes it is better to enter during the day for a matter of light, but often at night it is better because there is less chance of being seen. Bring a flashlight and a friend with you!
Step 6. Find an easy way out
Will you have to jump on a barbed wire fence, or are you able to sneak into an opening instead? In many cases you will find that infiltrating a facility is easier than you think. Barbed wire, high walls, and locked doors are all excellent deterrents, but in many cases there is a part of the structure that is more vulnerable.
Step 7. Explore
Take photographs; look at old furniture, newspapers, machinery, or anything that catches your eye.
Step 8. Leave the structure as you found it
You don't want to ruin the experience for future explorers. You also don't want a police report to be filed if something is destroyed or stolen.
Advice
- Know the trespassing laws and be prepared to accept the consequences.
- Your explorations don't have to be limited to urban areas; it is possible and even fun to discover rural buildings such as old barns and granaries, as well as historical or particular structures such as catacombs and sewers. Remember that the catacombs can be EXTREMELY dangerous given the ease of getting lost (they were built for this purpose) so always make sure you know the way out.
- Dress in black so you'll have less chance of being noticed. Clothes that don't make noise are also preferable.
- Bring at least a spare flashlight in case yours doesn't work, and don't forget to bring a first aid kit if you cut or injure yourself.
- A red filter for your flashlight will help you have more natural night vision and decrease the chance of being seen from a distance.
- Always carry someone with you so that they can go for help if something happens. There is a certain certainty in making numbers. At least make sure someone knows where you are and what time you'll be back.
- If you are exploring a rural residence, look for where residents may have once thrown litter, and bring a metal detector with you. You may find that in the old waste there is a treasure of modern times.
- When you go exploring, take your time, observe and think about your safety. Pay attention to what surrounds you, both above and below. Walk carefully. Stepping on a rusty nail can be the smallest of inconveniences when exploring abandoned structures (you can drop a story or two).
- If you are faced with a security guard or police officer, know that they have absolutely no right to confiscate your camera or other crew. Stand up for your rights, unless you are arrested for law enforcement. In this case, you must obey orders, including letting them take your camera as an object of ownership and proof.
- Walk carefully and always watch where you are going to avoid getting hurt.
- Wear thick, sturdy boots or shoes as you may step on a nail.
- Beware of snakes or insects. You may not be able to tell if they are poisonous or not.
Warnings
- Buildings that have been confiscated or abandoned and inspected and fenced off is because they are dangerous. If you want to venture into exploration, know that if something goes wrong, you will put your rescuers at risk, that is, the police, firefighters, first aid personnel, if they come to help you. Not only can you hurt yourself and be accused of crime, but you could also harm others and be responsible for reimbursing the expenses of those who came to your rescue. Have fun if you think the risk is worth it.
- Watch out! Exploring abandoned buildings can be a lot of fun, but also very dangerous!
- Do not close the doors unless you have another way out!
- Know that there are trespassing laws and that you must accept the consequences. Also know that there are extenuating circumstances: bringing some tools you need may seem like a good idea but if you get caught in their possession you can get yourself into further trouble! Also, there are areas where getting caught at night is an even worse crime.
- Know that forcing the entrance to a building is an additional crime to that of violation of private property.
- Be cautious in enclosed spaces as there may be little oxygen. Pipes, pits, granaries, are all closed places where dangerous gases can accumulate.
- If you want to sneak in somewhere, consider whether you can get out later.
- Be cautious in buildings that show signs of vandalism, forced doors, looting, or other criminal destructive acts. 'Urban Exploring' is not a destructive activity but you can easily be blamed for damage done to the building previously.
- If the building was abandoned by the original owner, there may be new (squatters!) Residents. If you find someone else in the building, notify them of your presence and tell them that you are just exploring. Some squatters can be very dangerous, so try to avoid physical confrontation and leave immediately if you think you risk being attacked.
- If you enter a building where there is a notice posted saying it is not a safe place or it has been confiscated, be sure of every step you take, as the floorboards may fail. Watch out for peeling lead-based paint and insulation.
- Old buildings can contain other dangers within them, such as poisonous substances or asbestos. Sometimes you'll find a warning sign, but that's not always the case! Be careful of the insulation, the ceiling, the floor tiles, to prevent dangerous asbestos fibers from spreading into the air.
- Asbestos was used as a building material from 1930 to 1970. Its tiny particles are carried by the air by the lightest blow. Asbestos is the cause of a deadly and painful lung cancer called mesothelioma. If you are not wearing a gas mask, it is much better that you first read and study the various forms of asbestos. This should allow you to identify him and keep you out of the way and avoid possible premature death.
- If you run into a neighbor, a security guard or a policeman, don't run away. This can only aggravate your position. Explain why you are there and what you did.
- Taking a shower and changing your clothes immediately after being out on the hunt is a good idea to remove any irritating or harmful substances you may have accidentally come into contact with.
- Spiders love old buildings and many are poisonous. Black widows, brown spiders, and other spiders can cause serious injury. Wear thin leather gloves for protection.
- Remember this is illegal almost everywhere! Watch out!
- Don't forget that this can be very dangerous!
- Beware of stagnant environments as they often lead to a higher concentration of diseases, viruses and pathogens. The proof that these are unhealthy environments is given by the presence of mold, animal and bird droppings, sodden building materials, and dead animals. Areas of extreme stagnation, such as mines, quarries, and sewers can unleash imperceptible dangerous gases.
- As mentioned, don't explore the catacombs unless you are sure everything will be fine.
