After doing a lot of searching on different ghost hunting sites I have come to the conclusion that none of these sites provide guidance on doing an investigation. They all have a lot of stories and pictures. They don’t have anything telling the wold be Investigator the ins and outs to ghost hunting.

Well we here at BroubonStreet Stories are about to change this and supply you with some basic information on the do’s and don’ts to Ghost Hunting.

Most people are just fine with just reading about others experiences with the Paranormal and Ghost. Yet there are a few that have a hunger for more information and to see for them self’s. This is the Amateur Investigator some one that has not done it before and jumps into the fire with both feet and a can of Gas. And I am here to tell you now Gas and Fire are not conducive to long life.

When ever dealing with anything that would be considered Paranormal we are dealing with the unknown. We are working with variables that can change on a moments notice that could change a situation from a curiosity to a life changing event. This bit of investigating the Paranormal is not an evening event for a bunch of people out to have a good time. It is serious work that requires the investigator to take endless notes. Also to be ready to react in any given situation. Don’t get me wrong I am not trying to discourage you from learning the techniques to investigating. What I am doing is to make sure you understand what you are getting your self into.

A Note to Parents and Adults If you have teenage kids that are getting interested in this. Prevent them from getting involved in investigating the paranormal or Ghost at all cost. It is not an area that an immature mind should be exposed to. There are too many mind tricks that can be played on them with in the paranormal realm. And a child or teenager would have a hard time determining the difference from Reality and Fantasy. It is one thing to read about it totally another to get involved. Some children are left with no choice because the events are happening around them. The dangers are too great to allow teens and younger kids to get involved.

Now I can here you saying Dangers?? Yes there are dangers with this work. As I stated tricks on the mind can be played that would be hard to determine if it is reality or fantasy. That is why it is important that when you get involved in this that you have a clear understanding of who you are. Because you will be faced with things that will deify logic in all categories. Another words you best have a good Idea of your own reality before jumping into an alternate reality.

One thing you will find out when you get into this. Is that a lot of people when you try to talk to them about it will shy away from you. Simply because their religious training or upbringing does not lend its self to the possibility of such things. I live in the Midwest and I can tell you that this is not a topic that is widely discussed in the area here. Why is this well I tend to think it is the conservative Midwestern values that are at work. And as I stated today to a visitor that wrote me the discussion of paranormal events is not with in the conservative realm of discussion. So keep that in mind when you try and talk about you new found adventure.

Now to go into some of the general guide lines if you wish to get involved in ghost hunting. I will take these one at a time. As I said at the start of this section. This is only a general guidance it is up to you to dig deeper and learn more before hitting the field.

1.  RESEARCH I don’t think I could say that loud enough. Do research and more research don’t hear a story from a friend of a friend and jump into the fire. Go to your local Library and research everything you can about the subject. Pull past newspapers from the approximate time the story took place. If need be you may have to look it up on Micro-Fish. Most libraries have this information . If they don’t then go to the local newspaper and ask to review the old copies. They normally keep records. Once you feel that the story may have some fact behind it then go to the court house and pull public records such as titles of the property. This will show you the chain of ownership of the property. Pull any police records that may have involved the property. Do as much Research as you possibly can before you hit the field. Be sure you are armed with as much factual information about the incident before you start your investigation. Believe me you will be thankful you did.

involved in the actual investigation. This will be information that you will have ready at hand during the investigation you will know the players before hand and have a much better understanding of what your dealing with.

2.  If your going to do an actual investigation be sure to do it in a team of two or three people. If your using a lot of equipment then Four would be good. One person could monitor while the others investigate the property. But never do it alone you are taking too much of a risk to do this by your self. Some Investigations could take you into abandon buildings or homes. Safety factors are real and need to be observed. It is best that your team be on the same level as you that way each other understands what the other is dong. The last thing you want to do is stop in the middle of an investigation to explain what your doing and why. Have a game plan before even going to the site. Be sure that each member fully understands their roll and what is expected of them. Each investigation needs to have one person as the Lead Investigator to make decisions . It does not have to be the same person each time but it should be some one that is experienced and has full knowledge of the research of the situation. The Lead investigator needs to have the responsibility to make critical decisions. Such as when the investigation gets too dangerous to cancel and move out from the investigation. To be able to direct people in a manner to promote team work. And to be able to help compile all the information after the investigation into a full report. Once the report is completed the Lead Investigator will call a meeting and present the report and the facts as they were found during the investigation to the other team members at which point the report will be entered into record for the organization.

1. Never go on an investigation unless invited by the person that is experiencing the haunting or paranormal activity.
2. Never Trespass into areas closed off. Always ask permission days in advance you may have to explain in detail why you want access. Be honest sure once you tell them they may laugh and say no. Or on the other hand they may laugh and say yes. In ether case it beats spending time in the local police station explaining why you were in a closed off area. Grave yards that are fenced off tend to close before dark and will not let any one in after dark. Some Grave yards are not fenced in use your own judgment on these. It is still recommended to ask permission to be their after dark. Better to be safe than sorry.
3. Never destroy property if you do be ready and willing to pay for any repairs by writing a check on site if asked too.
4. And when finished with the investigation always leave the property the way you found it. If your in a private home thank the home owner for allowing your group to investigate the situation. A note here it is best to invite the home owner to participate in the investigation. Their knowledge of the events is much better than yours could ever be. Plus it gives them the feeling of being involved. And more than likely will allow a much more in-depth investigation.
5. If the home owner does not wish to have an aspect of the investigation to take place don’t argue with them. Some people are very protective of privacy and some will not allow you to take photos of their bedroom or kids rooms. Or decline for a one on one interview that is video taped. Just accept it and move on. When in their home they are in total control of what you can and can not do if you remember this you will not have any problems.
6. This is a big one and one that can destroy a home very fast. Even if you feel that something very strong is going on. Don’t make a huge deal over it in front of the home owner. There is no need to cause them to panic. Some home owners have been known to move out of their homes the night of the investigation to never return because of what an Investigator has said. And was determined later the investigator was incorrect in the comment. So until you get all the information compiled and the data reviewed keep the findings to your self until that is completed. Then make sure you get with the property owner or home owner and go over the report in detail with them . Do this on a one on one never over the phone. Provide a copy of the report to the home owner.

These are a very simple set of golden rules to investigations. Common sense plays a huge part in any investigation. One other thing be professional at an investigation. The last thing a property owner or home owner wants to have is a bunch of people running around in a party type atmosphere. It does not work you will be asked to leave if you conduct your self like this. The one way you can present your self in a professional manner is to be sure you are dressed correctly. I don’t mean Suit and tie but should be presentable. Jeans are ok as long as they are not riddled with holes or look like they have been dragged behind a car for three days. You will get dirty during the investigation when going into attics or in cellars. So just be sure to dress for it in a way that can be presentable. By acting in a professional manner will set you apart from others. The home owner will respect your group much more.

Equipment:

Now to go on a job with out tools does not work. Going on an investigation with out tools is the same thing it does not work. Here is a quick list of things you may want to consider to take on an investigation. Keep in mind this is not a free trip! Some of these tools cost so be ready to pay for them when you feel you are ready for them.

1. Note book: Always make sure each member has a note pad and pen to take notes.
2. Tape recorder: at least one person should have a good compact tape recorder or digital recorder.
3. Each member should have a camera either 35 MM or digital with Flash or both.
4. Night vision scope: at least one member should have a night scope for more advanced work.
5. Video Camera with both infrared and regular mode operation.
6. An EMF meter to detect differences in Magnetic fields. One or two members should have one.
7. Two way radios: To keep in contact with your team members.

As stated some of these can wait until you get well organized. The main items are the cameras and EMF meter. These are tools you will need along with a tape recorder and note pads and two way radios.

Dangers:

Now this is an area that can be scary. Simply because you have no Idea of what or who your dealing with. This is where the Lead Investigator comes into play. If a situation starts to get out of control the lead investigator needs to call a time out and meet out side the building to let things calm down. At that point the lead investigator will poll each member on their thoughts and what they feel the situation is. With that information the Lead investigator will decide to either stop for the night or continue. At no time should any one be placed in danger during an investigation. When dealing with the unknown one can not be sure what will take place. Their have been incidents were portals have been opened to release some rather evil energies. That is the last thing you want to happen. If you feel this may be the case then that is the time to back off and contact a more seasoned group to assist you in the investigation. You may have to back away totally from the investigation. Be sure to let the home owner know and make sure they understand that it is because you and your group are asking for assistance from another group in the investigation. And not to be overly concerned. Don’t Panic them!!

Keep in mind this is “NOT EVERYTHING” you will learn more as you research more. I would never recommend going to an investigation cold never having done one before. You could really mess things up and get your self a rather bad reputation in the process. I would strongly recommend that you do some research in your area to find a ghost investigation group that has an opening and ask if you can observe and help. Try to research them a little first to be sure you are working with a well respected group.

I am sure we have left a number of things out this is just the tip of the ice burg. If any other groups of investigators out their would like to input on this feel free to drop us a note at Investigations We would love to include your tips in this section. Hope this has helped to inform you !!