 |
|
|
UER Store
|
|
order your copy of Access All Areas today!
|
|
|
|
Activity
|
|
852 online
Server Time:
2024-05-05 20:53:40
|
|
|
 Brendo
 |  | Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
< on 8/13/2012 3:47 AM >
|  | | | Any tips for entering buildings that are completely boarded up with only one entry point?
I found 3 vacant, boarded up houses in a row, I've only made it in one as these are sketch and concerned about what or who... I might find inside. Each time I re-visit there always seems to be something different about the exterior of the place.
Any information for staying safe and scoping out whether or not any squatters may be camping out inside? Also, what to do if you encounter someone as these places don't have an escape route?
Finally, any tools recommended for safety/protection other than the obvious flash light, etc..?
Although I've explored lots outdoors and many open warehouse type places, I'm a noob with the abandoned house department.
|
|
citrusleak
     
Location: Indy
Gender: Male
Indy Explorer
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 1 on 8/13/2012 4:09 AM >
| | | | First of all, you have to trust your senses and get out if something seems off. Be very silent when you first enter and listen for a good minute or two. Check for makeshift "alarms" such as broken glass on the ground, etc. Anything to give away your location and alert whoever may be inside that you have entered. If there's only one entrance for sure, you might try placing a paperclip or a piece of tape in the doorframe, low and out of site that will be broken or moved the next time someone enters. This is a good way of seeing if someone has been there if you can't constantly monitor it. Always, always remember where the entrance is and how to get back to it in a hurry. This shouldn't be an issue with smaller sites, but I've forgotten how I entered in some larger buildings and it can definitely be frightening when you go to leave.
Usually squatters tend to hide in the most secluded, dark, out-of-the-way area of the building. Look out for new trash, areas or rooms that are significantly cleaner than the others. Also, look for items that could be used as bedding.
For protection, I always carry a knife with a partially serrated blade under 4" (legal in most states). If I feel like I need it, I bring a small stun gun that I got on the internet. I wouldn't want to use it because it requires direct contact with the person, but the incredibly loud sound and the blue arc across the contacts are more than enough to scare anyone away.
Finally, follow this guide for what to do if you encounter someone in an abandonment: http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=88759
|
|
Astro
   
Usually naked
Location: The Delta Quadrant
Gender: Male
Resistance is Futile
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 2 on 8/13/2012 4:20 AM >
| | | | Posted by citrusleak
For protection, I always carry a knife with a partially serrated blade under 4" (legal in most states). If I feel like I need it, I bring a small stun gun that I got on the internet. I wouldn't want to use it because it requires direct contact with the person, but the incredibly loud sound and the blue arc across the contacts are more than enough to scare anyone away.
|
Everything citrusleak was good except right here what he needed to add, ultimately, is to know your laws. I have a boot knife that lives in my backpack most of the time. I don't actually intend on using it as a weapon, but I do use it fairly often as a tool. But sure sure know your laws on such things. Also, getting to know your trespassing laws might not be a bad idea either. But getting caught with a weapon can make things go from bad to worse with cops. Luckily, I live in a state where most people give no shit about weapons.
[02:33:56] <Valkyre> Astro your whole life is ruled by the sentence ' life is better without clothes on'
[22:16:00] <DSomms> it was normal until astro got here
Astro: Patron Saint of Drains |
|
Rinzler
 
Location: New Jersey
Nomad
| |  | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 3 on 8/13/2012 5:40 AM >
| | | | What state do you live in? Just bring a gun if youre scared somebody might be inside.
|
|
Asher0719
Location: MSP
Gender: Female
The World Abandoned
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 4 on 8/13/2012 6:41 AM >
| | | | I agree with what others have written. If there are noticeable changes to the outside of the buildings, I'd guess there are changes to the interior too. Take some photos when you visit the first time, then when you re-visit you can compare what changes may have occurred.
As others have said, trust your senses. If you get a bad feeling in your gut, it might be time to peace out. However, know that most newer explorers will get the creeps in a site from time to time for no apparent reason. It can take time to adjust to particular sites. But still, if you have a seriously bad feeling upon entering a site, then it's probably a good bet that there's a reason to GTFO.
Make sure you're paying attention. When you first enter don't worry yourself with taking photographs. Instead step inside the door and stay still. Check your surroundings, listen carefully and make note of anything suspicious. Do this as you enter new floors of the building (if there are multiple floors). Look for anything suspicious like doors that are propped open, personal belongings, garbage (especially if it wasn't there before) and footprints. It may mean someone is in the building with you, or it may mean the building has been visited before and may be visited again.
For supplies I always carry 2 flashlights with back-up batteries, a knife (check your states laws for legal lengths), a water bottle if you plan on being out long, pepper spray, my cell phone and any camera supplies if you do photographing. Otherwise there isn't much more that you'll need.
When exploring you always run the risk of running into strangers. At times they may be explorers/photographers like you, but sometimes they're not so savory. Be careful, keep your eyes open and be smart.
~Asher |
|
Brendo
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 5 on 8/13/2012 9:23 PM >
| | | | I'm actually in Ontario, Canada. The sites I was going to are in a bit of a drug neighborhood as the last time I went through the first house, my buddy and I were asked if we knew where to buy heroin/oxys when we were walking back to the car. So, a gun is not an option. The only people with those are hunters/criminals.
I think I should wield up with a knife and maybe bear spray, next time?
[last edit 8/13/2012 9:24 PM by Brendo - edited 1 times]
|
|
Captain_Slow
The infamous Buttram Manfist
Location: Dallas, Tx
Gender: Male
Obviously capable of mediocre things.
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 6 on 8/13/2012 10:43 PM >
| | | | Posted by Brendo
I'm actually in Ontario, Canada. The sites I was going to are in a bit of a drug neighborhood as the last time I went through the first house, my buddy and I were asked if we knew where to buy heroin/oxys when we were walking back to the car. So, a gun is not an option. The only people with those are hunters/criminals.
I think I should wield up with a knife and maybe bear spray, next time?
|
No. You should bring a baseball bat with a bunch of nails sticking out of it. Nothing says "Dear police, I'm just a dumb photographer who knows nothing about trespass laws and you should just let me go" like a giant, stabby smashy truncheon.
|
|
/-/ooligan
 
Location: Las Vegas area
Gender: Male
When in danger, when in doubt, RUN IN CIRCLES, SCREAM AND SHOUT!
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 7 on 8/14/2012 2:01 AM >
| | | | No guarantees, but if I'm about to enter a room/building that I'm a little nervous about, I will often talk as-if I have several people with me, and sometimes toss a little stone into a room first, hoping that the noise might make any creature inside make a noise back, so I know something's in there.
If the place is really high-risk & out in the boonies I might set off a few firecrackers outside the structure & then in a loud voice, tell my (imaginary) friends to stop firing their guns.
The above presumes that the concern are just squatters, scrappers, other UER's inside who are going to sound-off at your presence for mutual safety concerns.
If there are desperadoes hanging-out (& in one of the family the housing areas of Fort Ord I ran into an armed guy who had a homicide warrant out for him in Washington), your politely making your presence known could simply give them the drop on you. But most people inside some unauthorized area aren't looking for trouble or attention.
Best advice -- don't be a skinny, scrawny liberal pipsqueak girlie-man, be a big, strong republican that's ready to kick ass, and go in groups.
/-/oolie
There are no stupid questions, just stupid people. |
|
citrusleak
Location: Indy
Gender: Male
Indy Explorer
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 8 on 8/14/2012 2:28 AM >
| | | | Interesting approach.
|
|
Brendo
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 9 on 8/14/2012 2:57 AM >
| | | | So making a tough loud entrance vs. a quiet approach/observational approach? I feel being quiet maybe smarter but then you don't know what you're walking into. Last thing I wanna do is find out I've walked into a cookhouse...
|
|
Ricky_from_TV
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Gender: Male
I'm going to try and refuckulate it
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 10 on 8/14/2012 6:12 PM >
| | | | Always scope the place out, When you walk in feel out the floors with one foot for soft spots. same with stairs or decks. As stated many times keep a firm grip on all your gear, Never assume a place is empty Always be on the lookout for people don't go storming around like your the FBI.
When Caught Always, Always Use the Jim trick. |
|
RescueMe1060
Location: San Francisco
Gender: Male
Radioactivity, its in the air for you & me
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 11 on 8/16/2012 2:14 AM >
|  | | | Posted by /-/ooligan
Best advice -- don't be a skinny, scrawny liberal pipsqueak girlie-man, be a big, strong republican that's ready to kick ass, and go in groups.
/-/oolie
|
I like this reasoning. +1
http://www.flickr....rescueme1060/sets/
|
|
Brendo
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 12 on 8/16/2012 2:59 AM >
| | | | Posted by rescueme1060
I like this reasoning. +1
|
Me too, me too. Last time I went, I had a glass bottle thrown at me a street over in that neighborhood where I parked my car. This time, it's game on.
|
|
Urban_Explosure
Location: Binghamton, NY
Gender: Male
| |  | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 13 on 8/27/2012 5:13 AM >
| | | | I hate when I find desperados hanging out in abandoned buildings... it always makes me wish I brought some big strong republicans to protect me.
|
|
Breach
Location: Louisville, KY
Gender: Male
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 14 on 8/27/2012 11:34 PM >
| | | | Watch out for the rape-plants.
"I set the bar high, it makes it easier to sneak under." -J.D. Jenkins |
|
Keaven
Location: 15 miles from the Grassy Knoll
Gender: Male
| |  | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 15 on 8/28/2012 2:01 AM >
| | | | Posted by Played
What state do you live in? Just bring a gun if youre scared somebody might be inside.
|
If you are scared, bring wasp spray.
There might be wasps inside. Wasp spray shoots several feet. Be careful not to spray it in anyone's face. It is not a weapon, it is for use on wasps ;)
|
|
dtewsacrificial
Location: Bay Area, CA
Gender: Male
On my way out the door.
| | | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 16 on 8/28/2012 2:26 AM >
| | | | Posted by Keaven
If you are scared, bring wasp spray.
There might be wasps inside. Wasp spray shoots several feet. Be careful not to spray it in anyone's face. It is not a weapon, it is for use on wasps ;)
|
White Anglo-Saxon Protestants? ;)
[last edit 8/28/2012 2:26 AM by dtewsacrificial - edited 1 times]
|
|
Ampro
Location: the great white north
Gender: Male
| | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 17 on 9/16/2012 4:07 AM >
| | | | Holy Thread ressurection but I can't belive no one brought this one up. One word: Maglite. Hell of a good flashlight but also almost as good for self defense. All nice and legal too. I've been exploring for years in Ontario, the worst I've found was a very gentlemanly, well mannered scrapper armed with a baseball bat and lots of kids looking to tag or smoke up. I've found some pretty nasty non human things, but thus far no signs of any meth labs.
Hey daddy-o, i don't wanna go down to the basement, theres something down there, i don't wanna go, hey romeo "I don't wanna go down to the basement"-The Ramones |
|
Gringo Loco
Location: Kansas City, MO
Gender: Male
| |  | | | Re: Entering abandoned buildings? Safety tips?
<Reply # 18 on 9/16/2012 6:54 AM >
| | | | What's been left out too, is that encountering homeless people happens a lot less than you tend to think, and rarely are they hostile. Indeed there may be times when you may come across an unsocial-able hermit, not too happy you're walking through their private space. Just an "I'm sorry, I'm just wondering through" has always worked for me. I've even had some who were glad to see somebody and I've had conversations with.
It reminds me of when we ran into a scrapper in the rain. It took him a second to learn we weren't there to bust him. The he became chatty and held us up for a little bit. Another one of life's quirky interactions.
"TubGirl is hot."
I want to be addressed as Sir Gringo DeathTruck the First. |
|
|
|
All content and images copyright © 2002-2024 UER.CA and respective creators. Graphical Design by Crossfire.
To contact webmaster, or click to email with problems or other questions about this site:
UER CONTACT
View Terms of Service |
View Privacy Policy |
Server colocation provided by Beanfield
This page was generated for you in 156 milliseconds. Since June 23, 2002, a total of 740699824 pages have been generated.
|
|
