As Halloween draws nearer, several people might be inspired by TV shows, like Ghost Hunters on SciFi, to go out on their own paranormal investigations. Before you decide to go hunting for paranormal activity, here are 13 tips to keep you on track.
Dr. Ron Milione is an Engineering Project Manager. He specializes in research and development for the U.S. Department of Defense. Milione is also a part of the technology team of TAPS, The Atlantic Paranormal Society, featured on SciFi Channel's Ghost Hunters series.
1. Three things a beginning paranormal investigator should have in his or her "toolbelt" are: an Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) Detector, some type of video recording system, capable of recording infrared images, and a 60 or an 80-minute basic audio recorder.
2. "The pre-site survey is very very important in establishing a baseline. Now, once that baseline's established-then you can go back with the investigation. We call it an electrical noiseprint of the premises," said Milione. You should go out to the property and see where you get high and low readings-so you know what to expect when you go back to investigate.
3. Always have something to record the data, such as pen and paper. This is very important. Don't rely on memory.
4. If you're not sure how to start-find a local and established membership group and see what the membership requirements are.
5. "The more the merrier," Milione said, "The more people with interest in these areas the more data-collecting for everybody-it's many more eyes and ears out there."
Emil DeToffol is the president of LessEMF, a company selling paranormal detection equipment out of Albany, N.Y., on www.lessemf.com
6. "Hands down the most popular units are magnetic fields meter-gauss meters," DeToffol said, "A lot of paranormal activity seems to coincide with changes in electrical magnetic fields-keep in mind there are lots of normal reasons we have electricity and computers and lots of normal stuff that produces. It's important for people to rule out the normal reasons."
7. Always remember safety. "There's always the danger of falling and getting hurt. People should always go in teams so as not to be alone," DeToffol said.
8. "Always be very respectful of trespassing and to avoid trespassing on areas that shouldn't be trespassed on," DeToffol said.
9. "Get a notebook and take detailed notes and get a beginners kit of equipment," DeToffol said, "You don't have to run out and get the very best and complete set of equipment. Get a couple pieces ... and use those to begin and document what you're finding."
Justin Hammans is the founder and webmaster of PROOF Paranormal, based in Indianapolis, and a TAPS member group. The Web site for PROOF is proofparanormal.com
10. "People wanting to get into this field should start out slow, making sure to learn about every aspect of their equipment; its benefits as well as downfalls," Hammans said, "They must educate themselves about false positive pictures, and the things that can cause them."
11. "Never smoke while taking video or pictures," Hammans said, "This can lead to false evidence."
12. "Leave old school items such as Ouija boards and pendulums at the store," Hammans said, "These items are worthless to a serious investigator."
13. "People only looking to seek thrills should probably try skydiving instead, as this is not always the most high paced, chilling work some TV shows might make it out to be," Hammans said, "Taking fear out onto an investigation can only hinder the results."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
