|
Urban's guide to UrbEx Published on 07/07/03 at 17:40:04 CST by urban_explorer There's no vice like ADVICE. Hey there... you look like someone who enjoys the thrills of being somewhere you shouldn't be.. if you're not, why the hell are you here!? Hold onto your seat for some guidance into the world of urban exploration! Rule #1: (golden, sacred) If you make any mess, spillage, or even move anything, fix it. If a guard or staff member sees this, there's a big chance security is gonna get beefed up, and that's not a good thing if you need to check out the place again. And if you pick a good enough site, you'll be sure to want to come back! Looting: Fun, but not always a great idea. Some places like abandoned factories are great for getting stuff like office supplies and parts and random junk, but others that you might want to try are sometimes not the best (this applies to places that are in active or even semi-active use). If you're asked why you've got the stuff by a rent-a-cop or even the real thing, it's usually easy enough to SE your way out, but a good pair of running shoes does the trick! Clothing: I find paper coveralls made for painting and stuff which are usually plastic coated are usually good more nearly all situations. If the place is real wet, I've got a waterproof coveralls I can use, but they're too hot to use usually. Army-style boots are good, but any kind of safety shoes are good in any abandoned place. A pair of running shoes or vans or anything are good to keep in a bag you've stashed outside.. you can keep your overalls in there on the way there, and put them back in there once you're out. Kit: One of the places I regularly visit is an old chemical factory, so a respirator is an essential piece of kit in a hazardous environment. You can pick up army surplus ones quite easily, and a new filter usually does a world of good! Personally, I like the Scout motto - Be Prepared; and it does count to be prepared in UrbEx. I always keep a length of rope with abseiling harness, etc in my active backpack, along with torch (and spare batteries), two-way radio (have one for every 2 people there), plenty of water, and chocolate. A cellphone with you is always a good rescue line if you need it! So a good idea is to have two backpacks, one with the stuff you're taking in, and one with the stuff you've put on. You can also put any 'momentos' in you backpack.