The Introverted Detective: Abandoned places - a snapshot of the dangers and fun of exploring abandoned buildings

Recently, my boyfriend's family introduced me to several Youtube channels involving people exploring abandoned places. It looked fun, I told my boyfriend. Then he mentioned mold and how you have to do your research on where you are going, that you have to be careful.

Without further ado, I present the dangers and fun of exploring abandoned places. First of all, is it legal? Let's start there.

Do Your Research

When going to do this, you need to ask yourself whether you will be trespassing on someone's property. You can see my blog on self-defense for a glimpse of what can happen when you do (Castle doctrine, they can shoot you in Ohio!). While you can gain rights by trespassing for a long time (squatting is the term), it is extremely frowned upon to do that. So is breaking and entering. No Trespassing sign and padlocks mean one thing: STOP!

In short, you may want to do some legal searching to see if anyone, alive or dead, owns/owned the property, and who it was passed onto (if that applies). If no one does, you may actually be able to walk in and explore, just don't loot it (that's rude). Also, if the city owns it and doesn't enforce its protection(they don't care), you might be good.

I'm also going to warn you about the homeless. As anyone who sees a homeless person knows, they can and do sleep everywhere they can find shelter. Some are hostile and territorial (ex. you go in only to get chased out and your camera is broken), so be aware of anyone homeless and squatting on the property. Please be careful!

I will also warn you of structures that are too dangerous to explore. There have been documented cases of people getting seriously injured in abandoned buildings. In short, if you go explore, be aware of mold and decay, and don't go alone.

From what I've found it is seldom legal to explore abandoned buildings. If you can, get permission from the owner of the building. Frankly, I would go for that option before trespassing and breaking in. Also, consider what rights you have as a trespasser, which isn't a lot. If invited in? That's different and you will have far more rights and far less explaining to do, should you get hurt.

Protection from the Building Decay

Most decayed places involve mold. This is why respirators are important, and you should have one for your exploration. One of the source links below talks more in detail about that, in case you plan to get one.

This should go without saying, but dress for the exploring, in clothes you don't care too much about. Yes, I know...."Thanks Captain Obvious!" Just don't blame me if you wear flip-flops into a decayed shack and scream when a substance of questionable origin gets on your favorite shirt.

Bring a buddy. You get trapped? Your friend goes for help, instead of a bunch of other explorers finding you dead or barely alive. Be safe and bring whatever you need to stay safe. Be Nancy Drew. Bring a flashlight and basic survival supplies. Have a charged phone and a way to contact help.

Know Where You Are Going

Researching where you are going tells you a few things. One, possible dangers, and two, why it was abandoned in the first place. I know you're thinking of ghosts, too, and that is actually possible in some places. That draws people half the time.

Like I mentioned before, accidents due to decay have happened, and research will also tell you if it is secure and able to be explored. Also, again, if homeless sleep there. People in the neighborhood can tell you that, most times.

When you get home, clean up and wash your clothes. Don't spread the dust and dirt, not to mention bugs, to your own personal space.

Courtesy and Discretion

Some places have objects and historical documents worth money. Don't take them with you. You are no better than a tomb robber if you do. Also, don't give away the location, so that others don't loot or burn, or ruin the building. If you can trust them, take them or message them where it is in quiet. Don't post the address on public pages.

I will repeat this, because it is worth repeating, ask permission and see if there are tours of this place first. For some places, you can book a tour and get a guide. Do that before you even consider sneaking in.

On a final note, be careful. Buddy system, proper supplies, common sense.......Don't end up at the hospital with a broken leg, and a lawsuit against you for being on private property. Be smart about exploration. Don't get in elevators and step on sketchy floors.

With those last thoughts, I thank you for reading my blog! I appreciate my readers. Please let me know what you want to hear about next. I'm open to suggestions.