Ghost Hunting / Paranormal Investigation

What is it?
The term ghost hunt is used when going to a place were there have been no sightings of ghosts and trying to catch some on film, sounds, eyewitness, etc. and trying literally hunting for paranormal activity. The term is often misconstrued as sharing the same definition as ghost investigation, or paranormal investigation, which means going to a known haunted place and recording data, research, interviews, and other evidence to prove or disprove the authenticity of the haunt and to help the owners assist the dead in passing on. This assistance is either provided directly from the investigating party, or by getting the owner in contact with someone who can help them through their situation and let them know their options.

Who can do it?
Technically speaking, almost anyone can do it if they can keep their emotions in check and follow basic protocol, as well as the ability to do proper research while continuing to approach the investigation in a purely skeptical and scientific manner. If you're looking into conducting independent investigations, we suggest you go here.
Though we at ParanormalUnknown try to encourage new people to get active with the paranormal or paranormal investigation, we suggest that you stick with what you know or people who know what you don't. If you are not experienced in Ghost Hunting, we recommend that you find an established group or society in your area, and tag along until you are familiar with the profession. For some tips on proper protocol, go to Ghost hunting Tips.

What will be encountered?
There are two kinds of entities you will encounter: human or non-human. The bulk of most encounters will be that of either human entities or residual haunts. Though the chances are small that you will ever likely encounter one, non-human entities are nothing to betaken lightly. Unlike human entities such as intelligent haunts, non-human entities are usually hostile and have been known to attempt possession upon occasion. Always stay aware of your surroundings; keep a sharp eye out, and always protect yourself. For more information on hauntings and types of haunts, refer to: Hauntings 101

What kind of Equipment?
Required:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Cellular phone (with confirmed signal) or walkie-talkies (to keep in touch with each other)
- First Aid kit
- Watch (preferably digital)
- Weather appropriate clothing (no strings or toggles on jackets)
- 35mm Camera (needs at least 400 speed film, and can be a single use camera)
- Digital camera (at least 6.0 pixels and infrared)
- Notebook(s) and pencil(s)
Optional / Advanced:
- Digital Video Camera (tripod optional)
- Tape Recorder (with extended microphone and highgrade tapes)
- Digital Audio Recorders
- EMF Detector
- A Compass (same principal as EMF)
- Motion Detectors
- Thermometer
- Thermal Scanner
...other equipment can be useful, but these are just some suggestions.

Please keep in mind that this is a bried overview and is not official. We at ParanormalUnknown do not take responsibility for acts as a result of reading this blog. Other information such a specific procedures and and data recording tips, check out the sources below.

Source(s):
http://www.ghosthunting101.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_hunting

Ghost Hunting Gudelines

While Ghost Hunting and/or Legend Tripping, you can look to these as some basic guidelines and tips to keep in mind before and during your investigation, but these are not official and we do not take responsibility for the actions of independent groups and/or societies, the individuals, or any members of their team before, during, or after their investigation and/or trip. Never use television as a guideline for information or experience regarding paranormal investigation.

Guidelines:
- Always let someone outside of your group know where you are.
- Do not go anywhere alone. Always stay in groups.
- Do not trespass. Always get permission to get on the property and conduct audio/visual research. If the owners of the property or the Cops ask you to leave or for information, cooperate.
- Always carry your ID on you.
- Be smart and use your common sense.
- If you feel uncomfortable, pay attention. When in doubt, get the hell out.
- Keep an eye on weather reports for extreme weather and reschedule if necessary. Also keep an eye on the humidity and pollen count.
- Keep in contact with each other at all times via either walkie-talkies or cellular telephones. If you do opt to use phones, be sure that all areas you intend to investigate supplies good signals.
- Keep a flashlight on you at all times.
- Wear suitable footwear.
- Do not drink or smoke before or during an investigation. Do not arrive hungry, but do not arrive in a turkey coma either. You need to be fully alert, and smoking can create false readings of various phenomena such as fog/ ectoplasm mist.
- Do a walk-over of the site during daylight to familiarize yourself with the area and will help avoid injury in the dark.

- If you are accompanying another group outside of your own, it is polite to provide reimbursement for their time and expenses. However, though most groups will accept donations, groups who charge you to participate are to be regarded with extreme skepticism. Discuss the group's guidelines and be sure that everyone agrees to abide by them before proceeding to an investigation. Cooperation is key. Individuals not willing to abide by agreed standards and guidelines should reconsider their participation in any investigation.

Tips:
- Don't smoke anywhere near the investigation area.
- When taking pictures: keep lenses clean, take straps off of cameras, keep tabs where your fingers are, hold your breath (to avoid false fog/ectoplasm mist), use an empty memory card or new film.
- When taking EVP: talk clearly and do not whisper, pause between comments when possible, when necessary provocation may be used.
- Avoid jackets with strings and toggles.
- Keep a watch and note the time.
- Know when to get out. As mentioned above: when in doubt, get the hell out.
- Keep an eye out for cobwebs, dust, and other natural phenomena that could easily be mistaken as paranormal phenomena.
- Do not wear perfume or cologne. This will hinder your sense of smell and you want your senses clear.
- Try to debunk observed phenomena on-site when possible. It is imperative that you remain objective and logical when conducting an investigation.
- We at paranormalUnknown do not condone the use of Ouija boards, seances, and other modes of contacting the dead outside of basic contact.
...and above all... RESPECT THE DEAD.

Contact Us!

Hello Readers,
We've noticed that while giving you information, we have not given you a great way to give us information. In trying to solve this, we are now opening up communication between readers and ParanormalUnknown. If you would like to reach us, you can do so by emailing us. We are eager to hear your questions, concerns, personal paranormal experiences, and possible haunts.
Thank you for your continued support,
ParanormalUnknown

Email: paranormalunknown@yahoo.com