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       Thanks to popular paranormal reality shows like Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and some others, popular interest in paranormal phenomena has dramatically increased over the past five years. Forming and joining ghost hunting groups has become more trendy than an actual scientific endeavor and it sometimes leads to individuals and groups putting themselves into precarious, even dangerous situations. Some of the new generation of ‘investigators’ are young and inexperienced and are completely neglecting their own safety in trying to imitate their television idols. The fact is, while most of these new ghost hunting shows are fun to watch - they aren’t accurately depicting the many potential dangers and safety issues that are involved in paranormal investigation.

       At the time this article was written, a young woman in Toronto was killed when she fell from the beam of a building that she and a friend were investigating for ghosts. The building was old and gothic-looking and did have a history of an alleged murder. But there were no reports of any paranormal activity in the building and the two put themselves into unsafe conditions trying to conduct their own search for spirits that may not even exist there. As more and more people around the world involve themselves in the paranormal investigation craze, we’re seeing a corresponding rise in reports of injuries and arrests because of careless investigative practices, most disturbingly with kids. Many disregard or simply do not take the time to  read through articles and advice on safety one can find on more responsible groups' websites. General Internet searches yield very little to provide adequate information regarding the dangers and safety precautions that should be considered when conducting paranormal investigations. So, here are some things to keep in mind whenever you decide to go exploring in the dark for ghosts.  
 

What is it you are trying to accomplish?

Understand that "ghost hunting" and "paranormal investigation" are two separate entities. Ghost hunting is a manufactured media term which revolves around seeking places that may appear to contain paranormal activity. Paranormal investigation deals with responding to reported or documented cases of unusual phenomena. Driving around in your car randomly stopping at unchartered, creepy-looking locations to find ghosts is the primary cause of potential problems as you generally are walking into a place with no planning, research or scouting involved. Are you merely a thrill-seeker or an investigator?

Never go alone

Probably the number one rule in investigation is to never go it alone. Whether indoors, outdoors, daytime, or night time, you should always investigate with at least one other person and work together. The "buddy system" is the best way to avoid physical and psychological damage while exploring potentially haunted areas. Having someone else with you allows you two sets of eyes to watch out for would-be dangers. If someone does get hurt, the other person can seek help. There are many dangers involved in ghost hunting, and they double if you attempt to do it alone. It is also a good idea to let someone outside your group know where you are going and how long you plan to stay. From a strictly practical point of view, it helps your investigation if two people can corroborate what the other sees or experiences and makes your evidence more credible. Sometimes a partner sees something you do not - including danger.

Conduct Research

Before your group goes into any location to search for paranormal activity, a full investigation of the location’s history and current conditions should be conducted. As much information as possible should be gathered about historical data, prior ownerships, land records and current structural conditions. You may also wish to talk to people who have lived in the area for a while and have knowledge of the place. Arrange for a daytime walk-through before conducting your night time investigation so that you can become familiar with your surroundings and its potential hazards. In doing so, pay close attention to things like vandalism and graffiti that may be present - it may tip you off that somebody else might be lurking about after hours. Also, you might check with the local police department to see if any illegal or occult-type activities have been reported inside. You do not want to be mistaken for anyone with sinister intent or be trapped there with someone who could do you potential harm. Overall, make sure you have discovered as much about the property as possible before entering.

Use the Proper Equipment

Besides the usual technical equipment involved on investigations, you should also be prepared with other tools to help you stay safe. Most obvious is a flash light. Because most paranormal investigative work is done in the dark, no investigator should ever be without a functioning flashlight. Having a light source will not only help you navigate through dark areas safely but it will also help you feel safer when the psychology of being in a haunted place starts to play with your mind. Any smart investigator will also carry a functioning ‘walkie talkie’ with them so that they can be in constant contact with other team members in case of an emergency. Some other pieces of equipment that you should include in your arsenal is a first-aid kit to treat any minor injuries, a working cell phone in case of an emergency, bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away, and face masks to prevent breathing in dangerous particles like dust, asbestos, and fiberglass. For outdoor investigations, a compass is always a great tool to have in your possession.

Wear Proper Clothing

Wearing the proper clothing is also a very important consideration. Make sure you are dressed for all conditions you may encounter. Starting with your feet, you should be sure to wear some strong and sturdy closed shoes that will protect your feet from sharp objects, nails, glass, splinters, etc. A good pair of shoes will also make a big difference in balance and stability when walking through uneven terrain. Long pants, long sleeves, and clothes that cover your body are also important to protect yourself against the elements. The prime consideration in this are weather conditions. You never know what the weather is going to do while out on an investigation. Most often you will find yourself investigating at night when it is always colder and you’ll likely be in places that are damp, dusty, and dirty. Long clothes will also lessen your possibilities of being bitten by bugs and other critters that like to hide in these places. You’ll also be less exposed to things like poison ivy when investigating outdoors.

Just Say No

Absolutely no drugs or alcohol should be used by an investigator before or during an investigation. There are already enough dangers to concern yourself with while investigating. Being impaired by drinking or doing drugs will only heighten these dangers. You only put yourself and those around you at higher risk by being drunk or stoned during an investigation. This is serious business. And regardless of what some "burners" might tell you, you will not have any better chance of contacting the dead by being high. You’ll just have a better chance of joining them.

Take What You Are Doing Seriously

Investigations should be taken seriously. Have respect for the property you are investigating and for those around you. Vandalism and pranks are only going to give the field of paranormal investigation a bad name and make it harder for serious investigators to practice this science. Pulling pranks on other team members is a sure way of getting someone hurt too. Paranormal investigating has elements of fun and excitement, but should be approached as a serious scientific study that should be respected and conducted properly. There are long stretches where no visible or audible activity is found - it is during those times where your dedication and focus are tested.

Fear And Respect The Living

The living are much more dangerous than the dead. So be sure you have permission before entering a location. We all know access is hard to come by sometimes and it gets frustrating to be turned down so often. That still is no reason to act irresponsibly and subject yourself to physical danger or arrest. Nothing hampers or trivializes the paranormal field more than investigators spending the night in jail. Any location that is considered private property - including cemeteries and abandoned buildings - should be considered as such and never entered without valid permission. Know what the town ordinances are and what time public areas close. You will be subject to whatever penalties come with trespassing in that town. Always explain exactly what you hope to accomplish in a location and how you will go about it. Don't stray from that plan or from the area in which you have been granted permission to investigate. In doing so you may be putting yourself at risk from any residents, security, or police officers who find you and consider you an intruder.  Even if you do have permission to enter let's say, an abandoned property, you should notify the local police so they will not become suspicious of the flashlights and activity there during the middle of the night. Provide the license plate numbers of all vehicles that will be parked in the location and get written permission from the owner you can produce for them. Always carry valid ID with you and make a point to thank whoever is responsible for allowing you access, including the police. It might pay off down the line.

Trust Your Instincts

If you get the feeling that something is wrong or that you shouldn’t be doing something, don’t do it. Trust your instincts in every situation when investigating the paranormal. Be sure that your group sets up a central command area and a safe zone where you can all meet regularly to clear your heads and regroup. If at any point during an investigation you get overwhelmed or scared, you should - as calmly as possible - head to your safe zone and regroup with others. Fear clouds the mind and forces you into bad decisions. If you feel the presence of danger, be it physical or spiritual, don’t proceed. There is no reward for being brave when investigating the paranormal. You are going to occasionally encounter places and situations that will test your resolve and you will want to approach them with extreme caution or take some time to gather your thoughts rather than head straight into potential danger. When this happens no one should be mocked for a lack of courage or subjected to peer pressures,  but instead supported and respected for their concerns. Over time, they may have to reconsider their pursuit of this field of study.

In conclusion, paranormal investigation can be an exciting and rewarding experience. But you’ll quickly find that it’s nothing like the reality shows represent. Much of your time will be spent doing mind-numbing (but vital) research and setting up equipment. During most investigations it’s very rare that you will experience anything that is truly paranormal. Most of the time you’ll spend many hours on a Saturday night staring at equipment hoping to see something with no results. It’s a bit deceiving from watching the television shows but in reality paranormal activity is very uncommon and quite unpredictable. These shows have skillfully edited out most if not all of the unexciting stuff and are usually filming in places that are highly active to begin with. So keep these things in mind when deciding whether or not to go into dark places looking for ghosts. Use common sense, put your own safety and that of your team first and remember - true paranormal investigation isn’t a passing fad, it’s a long-term commitment to science and dedication.