The Rules

1. No Stealing: Urban exploration is an adventure-based hobby, not a profit-based one.
Theft results in increased security, which makes return trips difficult or impossible. If caught, theft results in much more serious consequences than simple exploration.

2. No Vandalism: Urban exploration is about preserving locations, not destroying them.
Vandalism results in the same consequences as theft: increased security and greater penalties if caught.

3. No Backtracking: Because you’ve already been that way and it’s boring. Find another way out.

4. Dark Clothes Only: Stealth is key. Imagine you’re a ninja: blend with the shadows.

5. No Noise: Under no circumstances should music ever be a part of exploring, even with headphones. All five senses need to be alert at all times, especially hearing. Keep quiet. If you need to talk, whisper, and use gestures instead of vocal communication whenever possible.

6. No Drinking or Smoking: Alcohol dulls your senses and isn’t a good idea when you’re trying to keep your balance on rafters or scale up the side of buildings. It’s hard enough doing this sober. If you smoke, quit. Smoking decreases lung capacity, which can severely reduce your physical agility, and also makes it harder to run when you need to. Smoker’s cough always kicks in at the worst times, like when you’re trying to be quiet, and a lit cigarette completely gives away your position. Cigarette butts are also evidence that you were there.

7. No Large Groups: Bringing a friend or two along is recommended, but in the words of the legendary explorer Jeff Chapman (also known as Ninjalicious), “the group can only move as quickly as its slowest member, sneak as quietly as its noisiest member, squeeze through openings as small as its largest member and, often, behave as intelligently as its stupidest member."

8. Be Non-Descript: Distinguishing features like moustaches, tattoos, hairstyles or piercings should be covered up or removed for an exploration. The easier it is to describe someone, the more likely it is that they will get noticed, especially if they are caught on camera.

9. No Strangers: Randomly running into people and exploring with them isn’t strictly forbidden, but keep in mind that you never know if someone might have a criminal record or if they’re not as normal as you thought. Stick to exploring with people you know and trust.

10. Conceal Light: If you can see without a flashlight, don’t use it. If you’re faced with a situation where it would risky to turn on a light but you have no other choice, use a colored filter. Red filters can be bought or improvised (balloons, handkerchiefs, and ketchup all work well).