After you have permission to explore an abandoned building, you can now go on your tour. Sometimes the property owner will accompany you. Sometimes you will be allowed to go alone. Sometimes you may conclude it is legitimately abandoned and go on your own.

But here are some guidelines that you'll want to follow to stay safe. While these are intended both for situations when you have permission from the owner and when you suspect the property is truly abandoned, these guidelines focus more on situations when the property itself is rather dangerous. (And if your characters are the ones who are doing the exploring, remember that there's nothing wrong with having them be responsible in their decisions either.)

Editor's Note: In fact, we heavily discourage people from actually seeking out abandoned buildings, and encourage everyone to use this information just for writing your characters' exploits.

Don't Go Alone

The very first rule is that you should not go alone. Even if the property owner is not going with you or insisting on a guided tour, you should always have someone with you. Accidents happen very easily, and abandoned properties are notorious for their lack of safety. If you are injured or trapped, you need someone to get help.

Also make sure that you let someone else know where you are going and approximately how long you will be there. Give this person the address and any other key identifying details. It's far too easy to get trapped in a basement or locked in a room. If you have someone in another location ready to send in the cavalry, you'll be a lot safer.

Charge Your Phone

Even if you can't take pictures, make sure you at least have a charged cell phone. And while you're at it, consider taking a booster charge. This is so important it gets its own section. Always have that phone on you.

Bring the Proper Supplies

You really shouldn't go into an abandoned building without taking some items with you. Make sure you have
• good shoes or hiking boots (absolutely no flipflops or sandals or high heels
• a first aid kit
• a flashlight
• batteries
• long sleeves
• work gloves
• water
• phone and phone charger
• pepperspray or mace
• antihistamines or any other medication you require
• notebook and pen for notes

Editor's Note: There is dust and MOLD in old places! Think of your health. Also think of bringing a mask. Or just sending your characters instead. We like that option. That is a good option.

Try to have these on your person. They won't do you much good out in the car. A large satchel or backpack is good to keep on you.

Visit During the Day

I know, I know. Abandoned buildings are far spookier in the dark, and there are few things lovelier than a Gothic mansion or a pre WWI factory lit beneath the stars. But while creatures of the night are far more graceful under the cover of darkness, we humans are not. And darkness compromises your vision. Even with a flashlight, it's far too easy to miss obvious danger signs.

If you absolutely must see the building during the night, take a visit during daylight hours to get a general feel for it. Make note of any dangerous locations or spots to avoid in the dark. Don't plan on using your phone for a flashlight either. While it will work in a pinch, it's better to have a separate flashlight on hand.

Walk the Perimeter of the Building

Once you reach the building, you should walk its perimeter to get an overall feel of the place. Look in particular for exits as well as danger points. Sometimes you can see weaknesses in the floor or foundation that warn of greater danger inside. The exits are important to note for your own escape if you should become trapped in the house or cut off from your entrance.

Do Not Rush the Exploration Process

Whatever you do, don't go running into the house and clambering about like a satyr in a porcelain shop. It's just asking for trouble.

When you first enter a room, examine the floor for holes or weak points such as warped or rotting boards. Blackened boards are a particularly bad sign unless that is the floor's general color. After you have examined the floor, look at the ceiling. If it is warped or buckled, remember that this is an indication of the floor above you as well.

As a general rule, walk across the floor and up and down stairs as if you are on thin ice. You never know what can trigger the floor to collapse. Remember too that just because you walked over it once without a problem does not mean there won't be more problems later. Repetitive weight can weaken the floor.

Use common sense in general when considering this. A more recently abandoned property is less likely to have such massive faults as a pre 1900s warehouse that's been abandoned for decades.

Remember You Aren't Really Alone

It's not uncommon for all kinds of creatures to make their homes in abandoned buildings. Starlings, bats, rats, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, spiders, cockroaches, and so on. In some areas, there may even be wild dogs or larger animals inside. Don't destroy the nests or homes that you find inside. And don't make aggressive moves toward any of the animals unless you must defend yourself. Though if you do realize that there are wild dogs living in the basement, I'd recommend that you leave quietly.

You may also encounter drifters or fellow explorers or other people who are there for various reasons. Be cautious and respectful, and keep the mace handy in case things go poorly. If you encounter someone and the situation starts to get tense, leave. It's not worth it to get into a fight.

Know the Health Risks

Abandoned houses are generally not quite as risky as abandoned industrial sites and warehouses. But even in an old house you should realize that you run the risk of exposure to asbestos. Some people are more sensitive to it than others. In the cases of abandoned industrial sites, there may be other harmful toxic chemicals and hazardous waste that have not been properly disposed of. If you struggle with asthma or allergies, you may want to bring a facial mask.

Editor's Note: Asbestos exposure is toxic and can contribute to long-term disease. Bees may live in the house, as can mold, and these may result in deadly allergic reactions. Please be aware of this risk when sending your characters in. You know, instead of you.

As a general rule, you should also wear gloves. The more abandoned properties often have mold problems as well as infestations, making most of the surfaces quite dirty.

If you get cut, particularly on a piece of rusted metal, you need to get it treated.

Editor's Note: For the love of all that is good, please have a tetanus shot in your history and get any wounds treated. And don't lie to the medical professionals, they need to know what you were potentially exposed to.

And while it should go without saying, don't drink the water or eat any of the food that you find in these places.

Avoid Elevators and Elevator Shafts

It might be tempting to take a ride in an old industrial elevator, but do not climb into these cars even if they are open. Urban exploration can be deadly sometimes, and elevator shafts are a prime culprit. Gears and pulleys age as well as cables and elevator car floors. So don't even step in for a quick selfie.

Really just use common sense with what you find. And remember that there's usually a reason why it was left behind. So don't inject yourself with any needles you find or lock yourself into an old electric chair.

Take Lots of Notes

Obviously if you're there on your own to see this property, you should take lots of notes. If you are able to record it or take pictures, that's good too. But even with a camera, don't forget to write down what you feel and see and hear and taste. Now don't go licking the posts. But the air will likely have a flavor to it and a certain type of smell. Look for all the little details that you might want to later incorporate.

So there you have it. Abandoned properties and old buildings can be quite fascinating to explore, but it is important that you take precautions and play it safe. You or your character. Whichever one it might be.

Editor's Note: The character. Definitely the character. Please don't go into old abandoned buildings. Don't leave us. Stay, stay and write and have tea and write about characters going into buildings. Not you.