It is not the ghosts you need to be worried about

13th January 2021. Reading Time: 8 minutes General, Paranormal Investigation. 3760 page views. 0 comments.

People can often feel a little scared or reserved before heading out on a paranormal investigation. With a huge Hollywood and reality TV influence, people often feel like they are going to be harmed. The thing is, there are some things to watch out for when investigating the paranormal, and there isn't anything paranormal about them! Here are some of the very normal hazards that you need to be mindful of when investigating the paranormal. What are your tips for safe paranormal investigating?

Asbestos

First of all, trespassing is not a good idea. In fact, it is illegal so just don't do it. It may seem harmless to sneak into an old building for a makeshift investigation, but you could in fact be risking your health, especially if it is a 'secret' location that you regularly visit. A lot of older properties, particularly in Australia have traces of the cancer-causing mineral asbestos.

Asbestos is the name used for a group of naturally occurring minerals. They have resistance to high temperatures and fire and make effective insulators and so were popular in building products in Australia from the 1940s to 1987. Asbestos-containing materials include:

flat and corrugated sheeting
cement pipes
insulation
floor tiles
adhesives
roofing
automobile parts such as brake pads
textiles
textured paints.
Australia was one of the highest users of asbestos per capita. Products containing asbestos were phased out during the 1980s, a national ban on asbestos, its importation and all products containing asbestos came into effect at the end of 2003.

https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/workplace-cancer/asbestos

Also, be mindful if you are conducting private investigations at houses that are doing renovations. If it is an old property, it is quite likely there is asbestos in the walls.

Unsafe conditions

Still, on the topic of abandoned locations, they are often abandoned and fenced off for a reason. It is because they are inhabitable. Rusty nails, broken floor panels, rats, broken tiles, and smashed windows are just some of the hazards you can encounter. Even stepping on the stairs could see you falling through the stairs. You could severely injure yourself. Even in some of the historical locations the public has access to, places like prisons for example can have objects that you need to watch out for. I have seen someone injure themselves in a public location just by leaning against a wall where there was a rusty screw hanging out of the wall. It is also worth noting that if you are tall, a lot of the doorways are not as tall as they are today. Watch your head!

Squatters

Another hazard of abandoned buildings is that they are often occupied by squatters. In these situations, I can assure you that living becomes even more terrifying than the dead. They can become quite territorial and aggressive. Sometimes they are under the influence of drugs and alcohol and it is not a situation you want to be in. The best way to avoid this is not to trespass and do your investigation in a safe and legal way.

Investigating in the dark

A lot of investigators like to investigate the paranormal at night for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is the only time you can visit certain locations. Typically, a lot of people will investigate in the dark with the lights off. While they have their own reasons for doing so, it can also present a hazard because you cannot see where you are walking in what are often unfamiliar surroundings. I will admit I have bumped into all sorts of things before because I am clumsy. If you don't want to use a torch or flashlight or have the lights on, consider using red light as it can help you see in the dark without affecting your natural night vision. Don't use your camera screen as your guide as while looking at your screen to see where you are going, you can easily become disorientated and fall over or bump into a wall.

Spiders, snakes, and wild animals

A lot of people like to investigate in outdoor locations such as park reserves and cemeteries. Many allow 24/7 access so it can be an easy way for many to conduct an investigation. I know investigating in Australia, there are certain hazards to be mindful of. Snakes are a big one, particularly in old regional cemeteries where they are not kept as well as they could be. I would be very cautious walking through the long grass at night, particularly during summer. You may find a nasty surprise. A snake won't attack you unless they feel threatened, but if you step on one accidentally, it won't be so forgiving. My dad is a landscape gardener and he comes across snakes even in suburban backyards. While some are not lethal, it is not something you want to risk either way. Spiders are also common in older buildings. I know Australia has a reputation for our big spiders, but it isn't the big ones you really have to worry about it. The small white tail spiders which are quite common, are not lethal but can cause nasty infections which if untreated can lead to amputation.

Kangaroos are also a hazard here in Australia. While they aren't roaming around our residential streets as many people from overseas think, they can be dangerous. First of all, if you are out somewhere like an old cemetery and a kangaroo approaches you and is in fight mode, you are probably going to come off second best so if you see one, leave it alone. One of the biggest hazards I have encountered with kangaroos is driving back from regional locations in the middle of the night. It is pitch black, there is no street lighting and you are on a highway doing over 100kms an hour. It is not uncommon for a kangaroo to jump out in front of the car. In fact, I have had it happen several times to be driving home from Aradale and it is terrifying. If you know someone who has hit a kangaroo with their car at a high speed, it is quite a dangerous situation. Keep your wits about you even driving to and from your locations.

Tips for safe paranormal investigations

For your own safety, never attend a location by yourself. Make sure there is someone else on-site with you.

Never trespass. There are plenty of ways to safely investigate the paranormal without having to break into a building

Visit a location during the day to familiarise yourself with your surroundings. If you are investigating at night, consider turning the lights on or using a red light.

If you are conducting investigations, make sure you have public liability insurance. It protects you, your guests, and the property you are investigating.

If a building is being renovated, consider visiting another time or ensure you are wearing adequate protective gear.

If you are told to avoid a certain area by the owners of the property, take their advice. There is a reason they don't want you to go to certain areas and often it is for your own safety.

If it looks unsafe, it probably is and isn't worth the risk. Turn around and go home.

Make sure someone always knows where you are. Have a walkie-talkie or a phone with you. I know we like to have phones switched off, and that is fine, but if someone falls or hurts themselves and is by themselves, they need to be able to call someone for help.

Spend a few minutes at the beginning of each investigation working out a safety plan. Where do you meet if you get lost or how can you can contact someone if you get hurt or lost? Always may sure people go in groups of two.

There should be one member of your team that is trained in first aid. Make sure they have access to a first aid kit either with them or onsite at the location. If you are hiring a venue for the night, ask them where first aid is, you never know when you may need it. Even if it is just a bandaid.

Don't allow people to run, climb, or do anything that risks their safety.

Lock the doors so outside people cannot come in. People are naturally curious and you could find people who may try to walk in if they see people inside.

Pay attention! It can be so easy to get caught up in the moment or focused on the task at hand. If you are too busy looking down at your camera or your piece of equipment, you are not looking where you are going.

Just because we can, should we?

Finally, look after the location you are investigating with respect and care. It is so upsetting when you see locations have burned down from paranormal investigators being careless or damaging the property. While there is no regulation in the paranormal field, there are some widely known ethics I guess you would call it. Much like urban explorers have the motto "leave only footprints, take only photos", paranormal investigators are expected to respect their location and treat it accordingly.

What are your tips for safe paranormal investigating?

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