A Bit Of Useful Urban Exploring Knowledge
Urban exploring can be traced back way back to when civilisation was created and started to develop with old buildings and structures being abandoned to make room for new life. However, It was not a recognised movement up until the 1970's when a group of urban explorers were formed that called themselves the 'Suicide Club'.
This group broke all thresholds of what Urban exploring was before, they organised events, parties, expeditions, and made UrbEx a widespread hobby. And all new explorers remember this: they began as just a small group of friends looking to explore the city of San Francisco looking for fun things to do! Their motto was "You only live once, and the way I live, once is enough" which is a line from a Robert Louis Stevenson novel- my interpretation of that is that exploring the world and all of your surroundings as much as you truly can, gives you all of the experiences you need in life.
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Although the Suicide Club made UrbEx an actual lifestyle, the term 'Urban Exploring' itself was not founded, or recognised to the public until 1996 when Jeff Chapman created the first secret online forum dedicated to exploring. Chapman said "The term "urban exploration" can be used to describe the activity of exploring abandoned or hidden urban spaces, such as derelict buildings, tunnels, and other man-made structures." and that title was very quickly adopted by enthusiasts and is evidently used still to this day.
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In the past, Urban exploring has caused a lot of upheaval with the law, which is the main reason why it is such a secretive lifestyle. The community of urban explorers is mostly hidden from the outside world, with many people wanting to keep a low profile to avoid attention from authorities or vandals so that they can continue to freely follow their lifestyle. There is a very long history of vandals messing with explorers- by scouting out their locations and destroying the relics that they have visited leaving innocent explorers to blame in the eyes of the law. This is why there are a few unspoken rules explorers follow.
The Unspoken Rules
These are the rules that I advise every explorer to follow and respect. They are seen as common courtesy and are the equivalent of please and thank you within the UrbEx community...
- Respect the space: Urban explorers should respect the spaces they explore and avoid damaging or vandalizing them. This includes not taking anything from the site, leaving it as it was when found, and not disturbing any artefacts or other items that may be present.
- Get permission when possible: Sometimes it may be possible to get permission to explore a space from the owner or local authorities. This can help ensure that the site is safe to explore and can prevent legal action.
- Be prepared: Urban exploring can be dangerous, so it's important to come prepared with appropriate gear and equipment. This may include sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
- Stay safe: Explorers should take appropriate precautions to make them safe, such as avoiding unstable structures or hazardous materials, and always exploring with a partner or group.
- Avoid sharing locations: To help preserve the spaces being explored, some urban explorers choose not to share the locations of abandoned sites publicly or with people who may not respect them.
- Be respectful of others: Urban explorers should be respectful of other people who may be using or living near the spaces they explore. This includes avoiding loud noises or other disruptive behaviour.
Hazards and Legality
It is a well known fact that a lot of exploring is done illegally, but it is also very easy to avoid this- I 100% recommend doing your research on the places you wish to visit and having a read on what the laws and penalties are in your area. But here are some things to be aware of:
- Structural hazards: Abandoned spaces may be structurally unsound, and could collapse or give way without warning. Floors, stairs, and roofs may be unstable, and walls or ceilings may be weakened by water damage or other factors. This can result in serious injury or worst case scenario... death.
- Environmental hazards: Abandoned spaces may be filled with environmental hazards such as mold, asbestos, or lead paint, which can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. There may also be hazardous chemicals, biological waste, or other dangerous substances present.
- Legal risks: Urban exploring is often illegal, and explorers may face fines, arrest, and other legal consequences if caught. Trespassing, vandalism, and theft are all potential charges that explorers may face.
- Personal safety risks: Explorers may encounter other people in abandoned spaces who may be dangerous or hostile. There is also the risk of falls, cuts, or other injuries while exploring.
- Ethical considerations: Urban explorers should also consider the ethical morals of their activities. Entering and photographing abandoned spaces may be perceived as trespassing which is invasive and may contribute to the destruction of historic or culturally significant sites.
