11 Safety Tips for Exploring the Abandoned - Navigation Junkie (2024)

Safety Tips for Exploring the Abandoned

I know I am not alonewhen I say exploring an abandoned location is thrilling! Exploring the remnantsof what was once a beautiful theater, mall, school, home, amusem*nt park and soon is an experience that takes you back in time and lets you visualize thelocation stuck in time from the moment it was left. However, exploring theselocations can be potentially dangerous (not that that will stop any urbanexplorer!). Here are some tips for safety when exploring these locations:

1- Research the location before going. Know where you aregoing and any specific dangers you should be looking out for. Learn the historyof the location if you can-it will make you appreciate and respect the locationa little bit more and make it far more interesting!

2-Bring proper equipment. Entering an abandoned buildingcomes with many dangers. You never know what you may be exposed to or whatinjuries you may sustain. Being prepared will minimize these dangers. Foressential equipment while urbexing click here or for a complete list of itemsto bring click here.

3-Be aware that you may not be the only one there! If youare interested in exploring a location chances are someone else is to. There isa possibility that you will run into someone else exploring or in some casesyou may run into a local who inhabits the building. Don’t be surprised if yourun into an animal or two as well!

4- Bring a buddy! Never explore an abandoned building alone,follow the buddy system. You never know what could happen in the building withrotting floors and ceilings. In the case that you need help having a buddy tofetch it if you are unable to may be a life saver. It will also be helpful inthe situation that someone is there that has ill intentions. There is strengthin numbers!

5-If you encounter someone never run! The reason for this istwofold. For one the building is abandoned-it is old and deteriorating. Younever know how strong the floor is or what may jump up and grab you. Second ifyou run you will look like you know you are in the wrong!

6- Never give away the location! While urban explorers seekonly to photograph and not to harm there are people out there who vandalize andsteal from abandoned buildings. Giving away a location may leave it vulnerableto being disturbed and destroyed by someone who does not respect the locationand its history.

7-Be aware of wild animals that may call the location home! Chancesare you are going to run into some kind of animal at some point. This does notnecessarily mean they are dangerous, but be cautious and know how to respond.Never run or show fear!

8-As soon as you get home-shower! You will be walkingthrough asbestos, mold, and dirt and will undoubtably track some out with you.When you get home-remove any clothing worn, throw it in the wash, and take ashower!

9-Don’t take souvenirs! Never ever take anything out of anabandoned building. Although it may seem like no one wants it and that it hasbeen left behind it still belongs to someone and may have some value to them.Respect the property and history of the location.

10-Dress appropriately. Obviously you don’t want to show upto an abandoned building with shorts and flip flops on. Wear long pants, bringa jacket, and wear boots or strong, supportive sneakers.

11- Accept that some places are just off limit! Urbanexploration is thrilling, but some dangers are just not worth the risk! Ifthere is no easy access to the location do not enter! Never, ever break andenter! If you can’t find a spot to just walk through accept that you may not beable to explore this location.

One last thing I would like to mention is to be sure you are always respectful of the location! Where ever you are it was (any may still be) owned by somebody. Appreciate the history associated with it and don’t take things out, leave trash behind, or vandalize anything!

Now that you know how to be safe while exploring you may be planning your adventure! Check out some essential gear that you should bring!