The unwritten code of conduct of urbex is to leave the location just as you found it. Don’t steal anything, vandalize, tag or leave your presence there in any way. Take only Photographs leave only Footsteps.

• Always let someone know where you are going. It is always best to bring along a buddy. A lot of abandoned locations are remote and no one will know where to look if you are missing. If you are hurt and have no cell phone service how will you survive?


• Don’t call yourself an urban explorer. You are a photographer, a researcher, a historian or a journalist. If you are worried about getting caught, check out your local and state laws before you go.


• Do your research. Before I head out, I have already researched and scouted my target destination. Know the points of entry, including roads, trails, gates, doors and windows. Check for no trespassing signs, locks, barbed wire and fences. Is there an easy way in that is not marked KEEP OUT or locked. If you are going to penetrate a forbidden location, ask yourself, is it worth it? I do not condone any sort of breaking and entering. It is not worth it. Google maps, satellite and street view are extremely useful for scouting locations. A drone, if you have one, is also a great tool. I use my drone for places that are clearly marked no trespassing. They don’t own the airspace over the property and I am not posting or taking any photos or video of people, thus invading their privacy. An aerial photo of an abandoned building is one step up from a google satellite image.   ***** (At one location I flew my drone over the property since it was an active area. I misjudged my presence and parked right next to the property and the fence. All the owner had to do was see where the drone was landing to identify me. I was not doing anything wrong because they do not own the airspace 300 feet over the property and I never stepped foot on the property. I should have parked farther away to avoid being spotted so easily. But needless to say, I found myself be recorded. Nothing ever came of this and the property was eventually sold and demolished. Lesson learned — don’t get caught!)


•  Be safe — be aware of your surroundings. There are lots of dangers to an abandoned location. Some of the dangers include guard dogs, security, barbed wire, electric fences, asbestos, mold, gases, unstable structures, hostile squatters and drug needles. Weather conditions also including flooding, rain and exploring in the dark. A lot of abandoned locations are remote with limited access to cell service and help. Don’t Panic. Be bold. Every good explorer has confidence. This will make your exploration a lot more fun and relaxing if you have the courage to act like you belong there. This is your abandoned exploration – OWN IT. If you are stopped or questioned, politely explain that you are there just to take photos and document. That you have not vandalized or destroyed anything. If asked to leave do so without argument or delay. The owner or whomever might even give you a tour if you are nice. If you don’t want to run the risk of trespassing, see if you can locate the owner and simply ask permission. Having permission or a property owner guide might not be the most exhilarating way to explore, but sometimes a high profile location might just be worth it to see legally.