Spooky season is here, along with it comes paranormal everything. More and more people are opening their minds to the possibility of the paranormal, or they are determined to debunk it. Either way a new wave of paranormal investigators is forming. It is important to remain careful both physically and spiritually while out on a case or just having fun at local haunts. I have some tips on remaining safe while ghost hunting.
KEEP IT LEGAL
A lot of content you see nowadays involves ghost hunting in abandoned places. Sometimes not always open to the public. Sometimes abandoned places do have owners, and you can access the property by contacting them for permission. Abandoned doesn’t always mean there isn’t someone to get in touch with. Entering a property without permission is a criminal offense.
At the same time, make sure to leave everything as it is. Do not touch or remove anything from the property. Removing property that isn’t yours is illegal, not to mention that it could haunt you – literally! It may be tempting to take a piece of history, a piece of art, or something interesting. Please leave it where it is. Hunt ghosts legally!
PHYSICAL SAFETY
A lot of abandoned places are unsafe for entry or have spaces within them that are dangerous. Be sure the floors are safe to walk on, and the ceilings will not fall in pieces on your head. It’s hard to know just by looks, but tread carefully and be sure you and your friends are not in danger of physical injury. And on that note, don’t go exploring and hunting alone.
Another thing to worry about is chemicals or radiation. Depending on where you go, there could be hazardous materials. Abandoned hospitals sometimes have biohazard chemicals and material still laying around.
If you are exploring underground, be sure to do research on keeping a safe air supply; you may need to bring external sources of oxygen supply. Be sure you will have adequate air sources. On the same token, please bring enough water and snacks if you plan to be out for long periods of time. When possible, take a break and get a meal. If you cannot get to an authentic meal, be sure to have food supplies to feed your whole team.
SPIRITUAL SAFETY
When I went ghost hunting for the first time last year, I researched crystals and which ones protected me with positive energy and which blocked out the negative. I am not an expert on crystals, so I won’t “prescribe” which to use. Research which ones you connect with and which ones fit your needs.
Sometimes, there is a desire to go big on the first time out; meaning a location with reports of really intense activity are chosen to investigate. Start small. Go somewhere where there isn’t reports of injury or possession. Or do a group hunt. Last year when I went, there were 49 other people walking around the same location. It was bug enough that no one was crowded in the same spot, but the amount of people made it feel safer.
If you can go with someone who has been to the location before and has done ghost hunting prior to your first outing. Two novices do not make one full expert. And if you aren’t sure, research your location and see if there is someone to contact for advice and help prior to your hunt.
The most important thing is to remain safe while ghost hunting, if you are a believe or non-believer. Be sure you are prepared with flashlights, a first aid kit, proper attire for weather, and equipped with research for your outing.
Happy Hunting, nerds!
