PREP WORK

UrbEx can be a simple hobby.  So simple, that all you need to do is grab a flashlight, break a window, and climb inside.  But you know what else is simple?  Getting your dumb ass arrested.  Murphy's Law is a bitch when it comes to UrbEx, but you can minimize your bad luck by doing some research and reconnaissance ahead of time.  Following these quick steps can help keep you out exploring and out of jail.

1.  RESEARCH

Once you pick out a site, the first thing you should do is get online and see if any other explorers have checked out the site before you.  Check pictures so you can know what time of terrian to expect.  Read up on how heavily the police patrol the area.  Check Google Earth to see how close people live to the area.

2.  EQUIPMENT

Before you head out to your area, make sure that you have all your equipment, and that it all works.  Make sure you have enough batteries to keep it running, and backups for anything essential (like your flashlight).

3.  RECON

If your site is visible from the road, drive by once or twice long before you actually make your move, and keep your eyes open for a few important things.  Are there any obvious, easy entry points?  Is said entry point visible by anyone living nearby?  Does the site have any security monitoring it (if so, you may want to abandon your plans right now - security means the building may not actually be abandoned)?  Is there a police presence in the area?

3 (B).  PARKING

While this is still a part of the reconnaissance, this step requires a section of its own.  While you're scoping out the site, think hard about where you're going to park.  NEVER park right next to a abandoned site - you may as well post a sign for any cops letting them know what you're doing.  Park in a space where no one would question a random car during any time of the day.  Sometimes you'll get lucky (Rochester's Subway has a parking garage right next to it), and sometimes you won't (We had to walk a mile and hike a half-mile through the woods to get to Split Rock).  Some places that have worked well for us are churches, movie theaters, museums, and restaurants.

4.  HAVE A PLAN

So, you followed the tips, and somehow, you still got found out.  Shit happens.  Now, we want to make one thing clear - we do not condone 'evading arrest'.  If you're caught red-handed, you're better off explaining yourself.  So long as you've followed the rules of Urban Exploration, the worst you'll get charged with is tresspassing, and may even get off with a verbal warning.  However, if you find youself caught by a gang of junkies or a drunken redneck with a shotgun, it's time to run.  Make sure that if your group gets seperated, you have a plan of where and how to regroup.  If you've parked far away, the smart thing to do is to scramble to a point you already know, then make your way back to the car.  However, if you've parked close, you may want to just get as far away as you can, then rally at a pre-set time with the rest of your team.  Make sure everyone either has a radio or a phone to call for emergency help, or a ride out if they're stranded.