How do I into urban exploration?Urbex can be fun and relatively safe if you follow some general guidelines. Here are some things to consider before going out:
Finding places- Choose your locations wisely.If it's a secluded there might be squatters, wild animals, or dangerous building structures. Normally the more photography you can find of the place online means more people will have explored it.
- Google, google, google. Use a location and pair with keywords like abandoned, decay, ruins, factory, closed, neglected, shuttered, etc. Big industrial closings are always in the news because of layoffs. Buildings that have been abandoned for a while might fall victims of arson or vandals, which may be reported.
- Flickr is great. If you find another local explorer's flickr just go through their albums to cheat. You can usually decipher where the location is. Also use Flickr's map tool with keywords. Some people have geotagging on their pictures and might have just have been passing by and snapped a shot of the exterior of a cool abandoned place.
- Use your eyeballs. Go to run down parts of town and look for broken windows, graffiti, boarded up entrances and windows, locked up and overgrown fences and gates.
Infiltrating- Know your ins and outs. Scout as much as possible ahead of time. First with Google maps of the area, then with a scouting mission around the perimeter. Spend a generous amount of time with this step just to get a feel for the place before you enter.
- There's usually a single good point of entry, try to find it. Doors, windows, fences, etc. It's better to go under or through a fence than over. The quicker you can get in the better.
- I generally find that previous points of entry are a good sign that it's safe, easy and quick to enter, but that could also mean that lots of people go there and the authorities have their eyes on it. At any rate, get the fuck in as quietly, safely, and as quickly as possible. Again this is why scouting ahead is important.
- I don't usually bother with breaking in to places as there typically are either already forced entry points or some other way around. If you have to break an entry point just remember that carrying a tool like a crowbar could land you more consequences if caught.
- Stay in the shadows until you've got a good look at the place from inside. Only once you've got a lay of the land should you relax.
- It's also usually a good idea to exit where you entered, but if you can't leave that way for some reason you should have a mental map of where to go instead.
- If the place was abandoned within the past few years there may be a security system still in place, or a security detail that checks on the place during their rounds.
What to wear and bring- Dress rugged, but flexible. You might step in mud or on broken building materials, expect everything. Jeans and boots or thick shoes are good to prevent cuts. Dark clothing or at least not bright clothing is preferred if there's a chance of being spotted.
- Bring a friend. Two pairs of eyes are always useful. You may need help climbing over something, or someone to be a lookout, etc. Also if you get hurt they're your only hope. Alternately tell someone where you'll be and when you should be back in case something happens.
- Gear recommendations: Paracord, two strong flashlights, knife/multitool, snacks, camera, water, gloves, dust mask or respirator, first aid kit.
Playing it safe- Use all of your senses. Your nose will tell you when it's too moldy to enter a room. Your ears will tell you when an interloper may be nearby. Test the strength of floors and structures with your foot or hand before relying on them to support your full weight.
- It's better to be cautious than not. If it doesn't feel safe it's okay to leave or never enter. You don't want to end up hurt, dead or arrested. If you think you're spotted you can always come back another time.
- Watch your step. Lots of sharp shit everywhere, lots of torn clothing!
- Know what you're getting into and accept the consequences. You're most likely trespassing, but the question is if anyone is around that cares that you are. Plan ahead how you would react to someone trying to catch you. Will you run? Will you try to feign innocence and talk your way out?
- I honestly don't know of anyone who explores places at night unless they're very familiar with the place. Stick to the daytime when people are at work and when daylight can help you out. Be mindful of sunset because it can creep up on you fast.
Also see
>>51 and
>>52 for previous discussions on general urbex preparation and advice.
Use this thread to ask questions, give advice, and shoot the shit on being an explorer.