The Dangers of Abandoned Buildings

Abandoned buildings often seem intriguing and mysterious but they should be avoided because of the numerous dangers that can be found within them. Many people are unaware of the types of dangers that exist in these buildings and are drawn to them out of curiosity. Entering these buildings could potentially get you lost, stranded or physically hurt. Knowing the risks and dangers involved in exploring abandoned buildings should deter you from entering them.

Unstable Structures

• Abandoned buildings can be dangerous if the structures are old and have been neglected because they are often falling apart. They are very vulnerable to collapsing entirely and trapping you inside without any knowing you are there. Exploring these buildings can be dangerous because sections of the buildings, such as structural beams, pieces of the ceiling, walls, floors or staircases can all collapse on you or under you at any moment. These buildings sometimes still have the electricity turned on, and exposed wiring can lead to electrocution and shocks. There are also dangers of falling into open elevator shafts or falling into open mine shafts around or underneath abandoned mine buildings.

Dangerous Equipment and Supplies

• Abandoned buildings, particularly buildings at old mining sites, sometimes contain abandoned equipment and supplies. These buildings often have a lot of rusty metal inside, broken glass from old windows and rusty nails on exposed or fallen beams. They sometimes contain, or are surrounded by, abandoned vehicles or machinery that can leak gasoline, oil or other dangerous and flammable chemicals. Abandoned mining buildings often still contain unstable explosives such as dynamite or dangerous chemicals used in the mining process.

Dangerous People and Animals

• Abandoned buildings are often the sites of illegal activity because of how isolated the buildings are. Drug dealers and drug users are sometimes attracted to abandoned buildings to sell, make or use drugs without being observed by anyone. Gangs often use abandoned buildings to meet in or hide stolen goods or drugs. Vagrants sometimes use abandoned buildings as shelter during bad weather or as an alternative to sleeping on the streets. Abandoned buildings are sometimes used by prostitutes as well because the buildings are isolated and private. There are many dangerous animals that can often be found in abandoned buildings as well, such as poisonous snakes and poisonous spiders. Raccoons, rats and feral cats, which have the ability to carry rabies and diseases, can sometimes be found in abandoned buildings looking for food or shelter.