How to Safely Find and Explore Abandoned Places

Disclaimer: This is a guide to help those who want to explore abandoned locations, we are not responsible for any trouble or injury incurred while exploring, however, we encourage you to read this guide and use a little common sense to get an idea of how to safely explore.

Finding Exploration Sites

Driving Around

Two approaches can be taken when looking for a location. For those who have access to transportation, driving around your city is one of the fastest ways to find new places to visit. When driving, try going through areas that do not receive a lot of traffic and look for telltale signs that the area is no longer being taken care of, this could be a good indication that it has been abandoned. 

For an abandoned house, boards on the windows, broken glass, overgrown laws, vines, and graffiti are all indications that the location is most likely abandoned.

When searching for large abandoned buildings look for dense growth around the area, possibly collapsed portions of the building, and possibly fencing that has been put up to deter exploration.

Those living in Canada or are considering taking a trip and are interested in exploring abandoned places, check out our database, which has an extensive listing of abandoned locations with a map, descriptions, and pictures for easy exploration.

Google Maps

If you do not have a form of transportation or would like to have a location in mind before you leave the house Google Maps is the best alternative. If you know locations near you that have a limited population try looking at an aerial view of the region. 

Zoom in and search around to find abandoned buildings that may be overgrown or with damaged roofing that could indicate dilapidation. Once you have found a location that you believe could be vacant, switch from aerial view to street view to get a closer look at the location's condition.

While it may be a little more difficult to judge if a building is empty from the map, Google Maps does have its advantages over physical location hunting. An aerial view gives you the ability to have a detailed map of the site showing you entry points, exit points, and possible places to park if needed.

Be Aware of Risks and Dangers

Have a game plan

Always ensure that you have a good understanding of the area you are entering in case you have to evacuate or run for any reason, plan your exit before you enter so you are not scrambling to find your way out of a dangerous situation. Don’t overstay your welcome, if you have explored the entirety of the location, no reason to stay any longer, go in take your pictures then go grab some lunch.

Explore with friends

Almost everything is better with a group of friends and exploration is no different. If you have friends that would be interested in exploring with you, invite them to come on the adventure. It is much easier to stay safe in a group since there are more pairs of eyes on the lookout for any possible hazards. If you don't have friends but still want to explore, many Facebook groups take part in abandoned exploration that you could join. 

As above so below

When on an excursion through an abandoned place, looking at your surroundings in their entirety is essential to stay safe. After years of neglect floorboards start to rot, rivets start to rust, and asbestos starts to disintegrate into the air. It is best practice to bring a stick or pole to test areas before putting yourself in harm's way by prodding ceilings and floors before walking and poking out into the darkness to watch for hanging wires

Hazards

Animals

Look out for raccoons, squirrels, birds, salamanders, snakes. If it's outside, it could be inside. 

Air Quality

PUT YOUR MASK ON! And this time it's not because of Covid 19, the air quality in abandoned structures can be horrible and this is not something you want to store in your lungs. You could be dealing with black mold, asbestos (causes cancer), fiberglass, and feces to name a few so be aware of airborne dangers.

Alarms/Cameras/Motion Detectors

When exploring a more high-value area, there may be some security systems in place to keep you out, and we are talking more than just a fence. Alarms on doors and windows may still be hooked up to old systems that might alert authorities to a “break-in”. Cameras and motion detectors are best avoided so try to plan a route that keeps you out of their line of sight. 

Fun fact - “Motion detectors detect heat not movement using infrared energy detection”

Decay

Not to be morbid but everything has its expiration date including buildings so the decay of the building materials is inevitable. Old structures may start to rot and once there is moisture locked in it is there to stay. Decapitated floors and ceilings tend to cave in so try to avoid moist spots that could be weakened. Avoid sketchy stairs that may lead to more than just the basement if they collapse under your feet go slow up and down staircases.

Flooding

Any building that has no power in an area with heavy rainfall is susceptible to flooding. Avoid water at all costs, stagnant water can be filled with bacteria and diseases that you don't want in your immune system. Not to mention the possibility of live wires being submerged under the water waiting to strike.

Gas leaks

If you smell chemicals or gasses through your mask and it's not rated for chemicals or gasses you need to GET OUT IMMEDIATELY from wherever you are. The only time you should smell gas is when your uncle is cooking up some burgers on the grill other than that it means there is a leak. 

Neighbors

Just because the location you are exploring is abandoned does not mean the surrounding area is too. Some neighbors have a real problem with people entering abandoned places in their neighborhood and they will not hesitate to call the cops so keep a lookout for anyone peering through the blinds.

Sharp Objects

This is a no-brainer, broken glass, rusty metal and dirty needles do not pair well with your soft human skin so if you see any of these things, avoid them your body will thank you.

Other Human Beings

Another thing you have to worry about is getting caught by squatters, druggies, or owners! Running into owners could result in an angry conversation, cops called, or them being nice and potentially talking about their history. Running into squatters or druggies could also result in just a simple chat and going about your day, but it could also result in them attacking you especially if they’re high

Avoid Legal Trouble

While some places may appear abandoned, they still may belong to somebody and you could be considered as a trespasser if you are caught. Before entering any location make sure to look for any clear indications that the area is marked for trespassing, this is an obvious sign to steer clear and try another site. It is also helpful to brush up on your local laws about trespassing and what is considered abandoned so you know the severity of trouble you could be in if any. It is best to refrain from graffiti and vandalism, as this may be taken more seriously than just trespassing, don’t give cops more of a reason to detain you.

Supplies

Every half-decent explorer needs some supplies and you are no different, if you are invested in exploration you should also invest in some equipment to make your adventure more enjoyable. We also have an article on the best supplies to bring to an abandoned house (hyperlink to other articles).

Supplies list:

• Phone - who leaves home without it
• Backpack - great place to store your goodies
• Mask (P100 or N95 recommended) - protect yourself from poor air quality, you may even opt for a full face mask that doubles as eye protection
• Goggles - if you opt for just a mouth and nose mask some goggles are great eye protection to keep your vision 20/20
• Contractor Gloves - In case you have to touch or move things out of your way
• Boots (steel-toed is optional) - Rust nails can go right through your brand new Nike sneakers and into your foot
• Long pants and sleeves - protect your body from being scratched by any protruding points
• Water - stay hydrated especially if it's hot and warm you can easily become dehydrated without noticing
• Food - we recommend protein or granola bars as they are easy to store and provide decent energy
• Flashlight - Some parts of the location may be dark so be prepared
• First aid kit - in the event, anyone in your party gets hurt clean their wound and get the proper treatment

Post exploration

When you get home wash your hands and toss those clothes in the wash because it is highly likely that you are covered in mold spores. Jump in the shower and make sure to wash your face and hair thoroughly to remove any residue that maybe I left on your skin or lodged in your hair. Check your body for any cuts, scratches, or scrapes you may not have noticed, many people get tetanus and don’t even remember getting cut. Go grab a nice blanket, a cup of jasmine tea put on your favorite show, and unwind, exploration is serious work. And of course! remember to share photos with the community by uploading them