Hey there! Welcome to the Explorers Guide. This page has been created to give you a guide to equipment, tips, tricks and advice for exploring abandoned buildings, places and sites. I'm not an expert, so this will be from a amateurs point of view. As I develop working relationships with other Urban Explorer groups, I'll add what I learn here. If you have ideas you like to contribute, please feel free to e-mail me and share what you know.

      You can't just hop in a car and go. Well, yeah, you could, but I suggest preparing for your adventure before hopping into the car and taking off. I've found that there are several pieces of equipment that every Urban Explorer should have. Here's a list.

Backpack- Ya need something to carry your gear. Make sure you have one that comfortable and doesn't restrict movement of your arms in any way. This is important in case you were to fall and need to reach out quickly. Depending on what you decide is your "standard" equipment, the number of pockets and secret compartments is up to you. Try to stay away from ones with straps hanging or loose attachments...these can get snagged on anything and everything.

Flashlight- This is a must. NEVER go to any abandoned building with a flashlight. There are always dark corridors, hallways, basements and rooms to explore. No light means you can't take a look. One thing about exploring is that you can loose track of time easily. By the time you leave a building or complex, it could be dark. Getting back to your car in the dark, in unfamiliar territory can be extremely difficult and dangerous.

Camera- If you remember to bring only one thing, make sure it's a camera. If you're gonna explore, be sure to share with the rest of us by taking photographs. It let's us see what you saw, as well as preserving some cool memories. Photographs also help if you decide to research the history of these places. You'll be able to match descriptions you'll find in books and newspaper articles. Some photos may hold clues to certain events (Fires, flood damage, closings, etc.).

Film, Disks- Can't take pictures without these. Make sure you take MORE then you think you'll use. Because in most cases, you will take more then you thought you would. I don't think I ever walk away from a place with empty disks.

Cell Phone- Always carry one. You can never predict what might happen while out exploring. A buddy might get trapped or hurt, you may get lost or you could have car trouble to and/or from the site. All these problems can be helped along by having a cell phone with you. When poking around certain places you really shouldn't be, I'd advise keeping the ringer off!

Gloves- Get yourself a good pair of work gloves. Not big, heavy duty ones, but something that'll let you keep mobility and protection. Abandoned places are filled with hazards such as broken glass, jagged metal, shards of woods, mud, gunk, and many more I need not mention. Work gloves protect your hands from most of this stuff, but not all. So still be careful when handling anything.

Extra Batteries- At the very least, bring an extra set for your flashlight and camera. Also be sure that the battery for your cell phone is fully charged. These three are your main items, so make sure you can keep them going until you're ready to leave.

Map- A must on any exploring adventure. You need to know where you're going don't you? Of course you do. The more detail on the map, the better. If you use services such as Map Quest, make sure to print out plenty of maps. Get one showing the exact route you plan on taking, and several that show the many side streets along that route. It's very easy to make a wrong turn or miss a street, so having a map of the local area will come in very handy.

Arial Photo- These are a great add-on to regular street maps. Although many are slightly out of date, they do give you a good overview of the area. You can see where a good place to park is, any trails or roads that lead to your destination and any potential hazards that may be in your way.

First Aid Kit- This can be a simple as a few bandages and tape, or as extensive as you'd like. These places are dangerous, and even though you do your best to avoid potential hazards...you're gonna get caught off guard eventually. I would suggest some bandages, (medical) tape and some disinfectant spray at the very least. Anything major (broken bones, etc.) will fall under the "Cell Phone" idea.

Protection- No, not the ones from Trojan. I'm not making any suggestions on this one, you take what you need. There are plenty of bums, squatters and druggies that hanh out in these places as much, and even more, they we do. Most will ignore you or go about their own business, but a few may decide that they don't like you or you've "seen" too much. In such cases, some form of personal protection is a good idea. I carry a club...and I'm a mean M-F'er with it too!

      What could be so hard about exploring that you would need "Tips"? Well, depending on where you're going (as in...depending on if you're actually allowed or not), there are plenty of things to think about. If you got some that aren't listed here, please drop me a line.

Know Where To Park- You may think this isn't a big deal, but it is. You might think that parking on the property or near it is OK, but you could actually be running the risk of being towed and/or ticketed. If the place is a frequent hang out for teens, druggies or um...explorers, then the local authorities might have a standard procedure of towing ANY vehicles parked near the area. Find an area close that normal parking is allowed, such as malls, shopping centers, residential street parking or local parks.

Know How To Get There- Sometimes you just can't walk right up to the place you're visiting. You may have to go through the woods, cross some dangerous territory or even hike over a mountain! Check your maps and arial photos for the best way to get there. Also make note of any landmarks so you don't get lost.

Don't Draw Attention To Yourself- Well, if you are trespassing (Which you shouldn't be!), this should be obvious. If you're exploring a place that is not posted, then you'll still want to keep the world's attention off of you. If the locals see you going in, some may decide that "they do not approve" and call the cops...effectively ending your exploration in a few minutes. So, while planning your way to get to and in your abandoned site...try to find the most "hidden" way to get in as well. Try to keep the noise level down as well, no cruncing, banging, clanging or loud singing. This draws unwanted attention, as well as cries of "Keep your Day Job" from fellow explorers.

Survey The Area Before Entering- Before you step foot on the grounds of the abandoned site, take a few moments and stop. You should realize that you're just getting there and have no idea of what's inside or...more important, who might be inside. Look around and take everything in, especially any movement from any of the doorways and windows. It's just something I do...and its proven very helpful on more then one occasion.

Stop, Listen and Verify- Just as I survey the area before going in, I do the same each time I enter a building. Once I walk through an open doorway, push open a door or clamber through a broken window...I stop and listen for any noises. This would include footsteps, running footsteps, banging, talking, etc. Once you're sure it's quiet, proceed inside, stopping every few minutes to verify that you're still alone. I usually stop at each floor or when I enter a new section.

Take Time To REALLY Explore- If you plan on exploring, make sure you have plenty of time. Some sites that have been abandoned for far too long and have been vandalized far too much will not give you much in the way of history. However, newer sites, with furniture and/or equipment still inside may give up some secrets of why it closed down or was left abandoned. A document still inside a drawer, a sign posted on a counter or even a city inspection record still hanging on the wall can all give you clues as to what happened to the place and the people who either worked or lived there.

Keep A Watch Out- You'll want to keep a semi-constant watch on the outside while exploring inside. Although not a big deal for really remote sites, the ones that are located inside cities and small towns make this a necessity. You never know when the local authorities might take a drive by, or even other Explorers. You'll want to watch out for approaching packs of kids...who may be looking for trouble or a place to drink.

Photograph- You do want to show your friends where you've gone, don't you? Take pictures! Lots of them, too. For me, pictures I take will keep this history alive and allow others to experience it as well. As I mentioned on the main page, we are historians...documenting the long forgotten or "covered-up-due-to-embarrassing-events" of years gone by. Beside, how are you gonna post anything if you don't have decent shots of the place?

Disk Switch- A little trick that has helped me out a few times. Only works with digitals cameras, though. If you're exploring a site and you're not sure if you really should be there (as in there aren't any signs posted, but it's boarded up), then here's something to do if the cops do show up. I always start by taking several photos of the outside of the site while looking for an already existing way in. When I find the "entrance", I pop out the disk I was using in my camera and pop in a fresh one. I take all of the photos I want while inside the place, then proceed to put the 1st disk back in the camera, before exiting. If the police arrive and ask about what you're up to...you can show him that you've only been around the outside, since that's all your pictures are of. CAUTION- This doesn't work all the time, nor do I make any promises that it will work for you at all. So try it at your own risk.

RESPECT- That's right, respect the property. Whether its been abandoned for 2 months or 200 years...don't go busting the place up because its "fun". If this is your idea of getting your kicks...then you're an idiot.

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