Precautions
First off, there is a difference between ghost hunting and paranormal investigation. Ghost hunting is typically the novice end of it. It is going into a place that has possibly not been reported to be haunted.
Paranormal investigation is known as the more professional approach, where seasoned investigators go into a place that is reputed to be haunted, or investigate the home of a client in need of help. For this section, we'll be referring to "ghost hunting". And this list is specifically for those who are wanting to get into the field.
Ghost hunting can be an adrenaline rush and can bring together a lot of great people. You can gain a lot of experience and experience some amazing situations. You need to be fully prepared and be prepared to accept what you may find. You need to be strong willed and be strong in your faith. Most of all, the possible hazards of the environment can be more of a risk than the hunt itself. Make sure someone knows where you're going & what you're doing. Keep a fully charged cell phone with you in case of an emergency.
Listed below are some tips that will keep you safe and ensure a good ghost hunting experience.
Above all, use your common sense.
Never go ghost hunting alone. Hunt with at least one companion.
Verify location, accessibility, safety, and related issues ahead of time. Check each site during daytime hours to identify parking, paths, and hazards. Carry two working flashlights, even during daytime ghost hunts.
Wear suitable clothing, including sturdy footwear. Don’t eat a heavy meal immediately before ghost hunting, but don’t arrive hungry, either. Do not drink alcohol or use drugs before or during a ghost hunt.
Never trespass on private or posted property. Never enter without specific permission from the owners or authorities.
Leave immediately and cheerfully if the police or owners ask you to, even if the property is not posted.
If you become unreasonably frightened, leave. Always follow your gut instinct if you are prompted to leave.
Remember, you have more to fear from the living than from the dead. Haunted sites are often isolated. That makes these sites attractive to people engaged in illegal activities or homeless people using the location as a temporary shelter. Use caution and common sense.
Never speak ill of the dead. Avoid sarcasm and jokes in haunted settings. Sometimes, the spirits “get even.” Remember to have respect. Provoking to get a response is OK, but don't go overboard. Yes, we DO provoke in our investigations, but we usually only do so when investigating a clients home. In this situation, the spirit is invading the client's home... and they don't belong there. We suggest you refrain from such actions as a beginner.
Although it has happened, ghosts typically do not follow you home unless you have mediumistic abilities. Most ghosts have no desire in harming you. But... a diabolical entity has been known to follow. Generally, this is very, very rare though.
If you're troubled by unwanted thoughts after leaving a haunted location, relax, watch a happy movie or TV show. Talk with a friend or family member. If the thoughts persist, see a professional for advice.
Never rely totally on cellular phones in haunted settings. Sometimes they won’t work, or have no signal. Use walkie-talkie's if possible.
Remember that you are visiting a location that a ghost considers “home.” Behave as politely as you would in someone else’s home.
Demons do not “possess” people without their willingness. If something seems to be taking control, tell it to stop. Picture yourself as a bigger bully than the spirit. This works in most cases. If you or someone you know seems “possessed,” consult a professional or a member of the clergy. It may not be a demon.
Most ghosts are tied to their earthly locations because they want to change something that happened in the past or are unable to or refuse to cross over. It is possible to help them move on, but this takes the knowledge and experience of a professional. If you are a beginner, we suggest that you do not attempt to help any spirit you encounter.
There are no documented cases of someone being seriously harmed by a ghost. Ghost hunting should be fun... but can be dangerous in the wrong situation.
Remember, keep your cool. Most ghosts you encounter are friendly. But there ARE diabolical entities out there, and those entities feed off of fear. So stay calm and don't show or feel the fear. If you stay strong in your willpower and belief & keep the fear at bay, then they can't harm you.
What's actually more dangerous, and what most people get injured from, is being frightened. When you're scared your body and mind goes into survival mode, the "fight or flight" syndrome. When trying to get away from something you fear, you could be seriously injured by falling, bumping into something or any other type of environmental hazzard. As difficult as it may be, NEVER run.
In any investigation, safety is always number one. If it doesn't feel right, leave.
