Property & permission
- Assume someone owns the land/building. Seek permission where practical.
- No forced entry. Respect signs, fences, locks, and intact boards.
- When in doubt, choose another subject or return later.
Finding locations responsibly
- Research via satellite/street imagery, historical maps, public records.
- Avoid sharing exact coordinates publicly; preservation over publicity.
- Keep sensitive notes private; share only with trusted partners.
Never go alone
- Buddy system; set a check‑in time with a contact.
- Back out if anything feels unsafe; no shot is worth an injury.
- Have an exit plan and emergency contacts ready.
Preparation
- Scout remotely (satellite/street/historic imagery).
- PPE: boots, gloves, P100 respirator, eye protection.
- Lights + spare batteries; basic first aid.
- Tell a contact; set a check-in time.
Legal awareness
- Know local trespass and privacy laws.
- No forced entry; respect signage and closures. Don’t create access.
- Be calm and cooperative; leave if asked.
Low-impact ethics
- Take nothing; leave nothing.
- Don’t publish access points or active vulnerabilities.
- Remove sensitive EXIF location data if needed.
- Do not share exact locations publicly; never damage places.
Approach & interactions
- Park discreetly; avoid drawing attention; walk in if practical.
- Move calmly; if questioned, be respectful and comply.
- Simple purpose: architectural/landscape photography.
What to do — Good signs & safe practices
- Use natural entry points (open doors/windows); never force access.
- Prefer daytime for visibility and safety.
- Bring flashlight, mask, gloves, and sturdy shoes.
- Explore with a buddy and set a check‑in time.
- Check footing and scan ceilings/roofs for instability.
- Carry water, a charged phone, and a basic first‑aid kit.
- Respect the location—photograph, don’t remove items.
- Know local laws before you go.
Group safety
- Vet partners; stick together; no solo exploring.
- Set a turnaround time and rendezvous plan.
- Consider weather/seasonal risks and exit routes.
Environmental hazards
- Assume structural instability; test steps; watch for spongy/cracking floors.
- Air quality: consider P100; avoid confined spaces.
- Watch for wildlife, mold, asbestos, sharp debris; look above for loose wires/tiles.
Navigation & communications
- Offline maps; radios/signals; spare batteries.
- Share itinerary + return time.
- Expect dead zones; plan for them.
Documentation & privacy
- Delay posting for fragile/active sites.
- Blur faces/plates; credit sources.
- Keep sensitive coordinates private; avoid viral platforms for sensitive sites.
- Reputation matters: sharing locations or causing damage loses trust fast.
What NOT to do — Warning signs & risky practices
- Do not break locks, smash windows, or force entry.
- Avoid night visits when possible; hazards and scrutiny increase.
- Respect fresh signs or boards—these often indicate active monitoring.
- Do not enter areas with working utilities, chemical containers, or strong odors.
- Avoid rotten floors, rusted stairs, and collapsed roofs.
- Do not vandalize, leave trash, or remove souvenirs.
- Don't share exact locations publicly; protect sensitive sites.
- Stay away from active railways, military, or government sites.
- If approached by security/police, remain calm and leave—do not run.
What to bring
- Phone with offline maps; flashlight + spare batteries.
- Sturdy boots, gloves, long pants/sleeves, P100 mask, eye protection.
- Backpack with water, first aid kit, camera gear.
- Weather‑appropriate layers; cover extremities.
- Personal safety device where legal (whistle/alarm). Follow local laws.
Emergency quick list
- Stop the activity; check for hazards (air, structure).
- Call for help; share coordinates/landmarks.
- Basic first aid; evacuate safely.
This checklist is informational and not a substitute for professional training. Always follow local laws and prioritize safety; do not damage property or force entry.