Q&A for How to Explore Abandoned Structures

If the squatter isn't bothering you, ignore them and don't bother them. If the squatter appears threatening or attempts to attack you, leave the area immediately.

If you can safely enter the area and it is not private property, you may enter through the fenced door.

Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and thick shoes in case there is glass or other debris on the ground, jeans, sneakers or boots, and possibly a light coat or jacket should work.

You could, depending on what activity was being conducted in the lab. Wear a mask, gloves, and ideally, a complete protection suit. If you feel sick after the exploration, go to a hospital, tell them where you have been, and list the symptoms you have.

Well, you really can't. Just do the closest you can by walking slowly and testing your steps. Obviously, if the floor is collapsing, don't walk on it. It can also be helpful to do online and local library research to find out what has happened to the structure in recent years or decades, so that you understand its structural weaknesses clearly.

Make sure you have a form of communication with people, such as a charged phone. Know the address of the location, let others know the address, and always try to bring someone with you.

It depends on whether the structure is stable and how likely the dog is to stay close to you. A lead would be a good idea to ensure its safety as well as yours. It is a nice idea in case someone tries to attack you, etc. but keep in mind, you will be putting the dog in danger.

Bring an audio recorder and camera with you to catch ghosts in action if possible.

Asbestos and black mold are the most common found in old decaying buildings. As long as you're not in the building for too long, you should be OK. Breathing through your shirt could help, but if you're worried, get an inexpensive dust mask on Amazon or at your local hardware store.

Highly unlikely. Any equipment will have been auctioned off at the time of the hospital's closure. If there is any equipment left, it means that the equipment is either broken or not worth taking.

You cannot turn on the gas and water in an abandoned structure.

For a high level of protection, wear a disposable/non-disposable respirator and full body disposable overalls. Breathing through a shirt or a dust mask will not work, as the fibers are microscopic.

Asbestos becomes dangerous as it deteriorates, which includes burning. Be sure to wear a good quality respirator that prevents asbestos inhalation. There may be less mold since it was on fire, but there could be more asbestos.

Since the knives are legal, they shouldn't be a problem, but you could be fined or arrested for trespassing, depending on whether or not anyone owns the building. An abandoned needle factory sounds like a place where you'd just be asking to get hurt in any number of ways, but if you're going to explore it, be extra cautious. Look out for sharp objects and any signs of deterioration to the structure.

No, you may be able to enter without picking a lock.

No.

Bring a flashlight, camera, and broken radio. Broken radios are much cheaper to communicate with ghosts.

Leave it where you found it. It isn't yours. The biggest rule of urban exploration is leave everything as you found it. You could try to contact the authorities about finding the money, but you'd have to admit that you were exploring the property.

The building is probably private property, which makes entering it without permission illegal. So, legally, no.

If you're going to carry a gun, you'd better be ready to use it if you need to. Be aware that shooting someone can lead to consequences far worse than getting caught trespassing in an abandoned property. If there is a squatter in the structure who threatens you, it's best to just leave as quickly as possible.

Contact the city offices of the city that the structure is located in. If you present yourself as a photographer rather than someone who is simply wanting to explore, you will most likely be given permission. If they explicitly tell you not to explore it, don't.

I would assume so. if you are trying to do this legally by getting permission from city offices beforehand, you could ask them about videotaping and photography, and they could give you that information.

Wear rubber boots, bring flashlights, and wear a filter mask. You don't want to inhale black mold.

You can check your local directory or library for tax records. You can also search "Registry of deeds [your town]." That might come up with some information on buildings and how to find their owners.

You want to see whether it's abandoned completely, or if there are still people who occasionally come. See whether it has electricity and/or running water (well water is even better because the city cannot turn it off). Make sure it has not been foreclosed; that means it’s someone else’s property. Ensure it isn’t condemned, which generally means that it’s not safe to be in because of structural damage or bug infestation, among other things. You also want to check that no other squatters are there. You want to avoid a situation where you’re fighting over property, as this could cause a police call by someone else who could overhear you.

Pass by often and see if anyone enters it. Check for any lights that are on inside. Also, if it is falling apart or vines are growing on it uncontrollably, it is likely abandoned.

Typically a regular cloth mask or a paint mask should work, but if you're really paranoid about it, get a respirator, under a hundred dollars.

If there are signs of no one living there for a while, unkempt yard/shrubs, graffiti, broken glass, etc., these provide an indication it is abandoned. As for it being safe, you can't really tell if a house is stable or safe, especially when abandoned. But there may be signs of it being unstable, such as already collapsed parts, heavy rot on beams or drywall, squishy floor (if there are no other signs than a squishy floor just avoid that part because you don't want to fall into the basement). Trust your gut feeling––if it feels unsafe, presume that it is. If your gut is saying don't go in, you shouldn't go in unless you want to live life on the edge.

No. Unless the woods are on public lands (in which instance you should notify the police to deal with the woman), it would be best to put your safety first and avoid that area.

If you are certain it is safe to do so and you will NOT come into contact with sewage in any way at all, then it would be okay. Just be sure to wear things like rubber boots and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.