Investigative Para-Dangers

by Gregory Myers
Administrator of Missouri Paranormal Research and Paranormal Task Force

THE HIDDEN DANGERS

In this age of new shows such as "Ghosts Hunters", "Medium", "Supernatural" and many others
which are adding to the collection of prime time paranormal theme television and the hype for
others to seek out their own paranormal experiences while being inexperienced is increasing.
Many times this includes young teens as well as adults. This will soon further add to the
criticism that our field will receive when these inexperienced and thrill seeking individuals
make their way to into our realm.

At the same time, many more experienced individuals and groups within the paranormal
investigative world have lacked a true sense of advocating the potential dangers that such
individuals may encounter at both the euphoric moment and in the long duration of being
involved with the unknown. Many of them just turn their heads and deny the existence of such
dangers altogether.

I hope to address some of these concerns within this article. Furthermore, I will like to state
that I am not trying to deter anyone away from such involvement but rather am trying to make
sure such individuals make a conscience choice before hastily jumping into paranormal
investigations or research. I also hope to better prepare such individuals for what they may
encounter.

Most guides, articles, FAQ's, etc. that are available make mention of the common sense
dangers which many do overlook, even some of us more experienced individuals are guilty of
this as well.

Most do not address the other dangers such as psychological effects, becoming a victim of
what you are investigating and so much more. Remember this is a field of the unknowns!

ALSO SEE: 20 QUESTIONS WITH Judy Myers
MPR's "sensitive" investigator, will tell you that she considers her special abilities a "curse". However, her abilities are a true gift and very beneficial for investigations and the clients she serves. also has an extensive background in genealogical research and familiarization with record research vital to the paranormal research.

Preparation (Prior to the Investigation)

Always prepare yourself for involvement with the paranormal both physically and
psychologically.

PHYSICAL

Physically assess the situation with someone prior to going on the actual investigation. Go to
the investigative site during the daylight hours or when it is at its safest. Survey the full area
and make notes of any potential dangers and even those conditions which do not seem
dangerous during this time but would if elements such as no light, rain, snow, etc. would be
added at that time. Do not forget to evaluate the human potential in such areas which would
include identifying potential high crime areas where you see possible loitering, drug trafficking,
abandoned buildings, broken glass, excessive littering, vandalism, beggaring, etc.

During your initial survey make notes of places where individuals could easily fall or trip, come
into contact with live exposed electrical wiring or hot surfaces, moving mechanical equipment,
wet slippery spots or other areas which could cause injury, weak flooring, sharp obstacles, etc.
then return the day of your investigation or reach the site early enough so you can safely mark
or block off all such areas with rope, tape, cardboard, etc. or illuminate these areas with glow
sticks or other noticeable identification. Be sure that all members involved in your
investigation also tour the entire area prior to the actual investigation and point out all
potential hazards and dangerous areas to them.

ALSO SEE: 20 QUESTIONS WITH Greg Myers
Administrator of MISSOURI PARANORMAL RESEARCH and its Open Forum. He is also Co-Founder of Paranormal Task Force. Greg is also a Lead Investigator and EVP Specialist for MPR and investigates all forms of paranormal activity. Greg shares and values a Humanistic Approach to investigations.

Know what the environmental conditions will be during the time of your actual investigation
including the weather if outside.

Make sure you research and locate the emergency phone numbers for the local law
enforcement and fire departments which have jurisdiction in the area of your investigation.
Know where the closest hospital or urgent care center is located and the directions to drive to
such from the investigative site. Type these onto a piece of paper and include maps or lay out
drawings of the investigative site with the dangerous areas noted and listed upon it. Ensure
everyone in attendance has a copy and has reviewed it prior to entering the area.

Let others outside of your group, such as family or friends, know where and when you will be
investigating a site and the approximate times for conducting such. It is always good to notify
the local law enforcement of such investigations especially if in an abandoned building or open
outside area. After all, they are there to protect and serve. Such notification can also minimize
false calls if someone suspects suspicious activity and reports such when they see your group
entering an area.

Never trespass to conduct an investigation. Always locate the property owner and request
permission first. You will be amazed how many will actually let you have permissible access to
the area. Trespassing is illegal and can get you and others in your group harmed. There may be
armed security patrolling or an unexpected armed property owner may show up when least
expected. Also remember that you may end up finishing your investigation in a jail cell if you
trespass and get caught as well as making others in our field seem less credible by your lack of
respect for the law.

Be sure to have access to a phone during your investigation for emergency calls, carry a basic
first aid kit, identification, your medical identification jewelry, your urgent medications such as
asthmatic inhalers, ensure you have proper lighting and back up batteries and dress according
to the hazards and conditions which will be present.

PSYCHOLOGICAL

If possible, research the potential haunting in great detail through available articles, books,
extensive interviews with other groups who may have investigated the location before and
others who have been involved or witnessed such. Theorize what might be causing the
haunting and of the potential unknown dangers that may be present.

Such areas to consider are:

- Have others become distressed or ill when investigating or experiencing such?
- Has anyone been physically attacked or pushed down before by the unknown?
- Is there a history of dizziness, headaches, nausea, etc.?

Knowing such will prepare you and others in your group with what they may experience
psychologically. This may also mentally prepare you for the potentially increased physical
dangers as well, such as where being dizzy may cause falls, etc.

Take protective icons with you which represent your faith or what you have a strong belief in.
This can be a piece of jewelry, gem stone, crystal, bag of dirt, medallion, or even a tomato from
your garden if you truly believe that it can protect you from what you perceive as evil or
negative. Never forget, the unknown does not have to resort to physical attacks and it can get
inside your minds and mentally or psychologically en stow harm.

Conduct a group prayer, chant, ritual, dance or whatever will boost everyone's psychological
state before entering the investigative area. Then conduct your own private ceremony or
prayer for yourself using the ritualistic methods of whatever you truly believe in.

Ask for permission from the unknown before entering the potential area they may inhabiting.
Let them know you are not there to harm them and even try asking permission before recording
audio, video or taking pictures. Even try explaining what you are doing and what the equipment
you are using does. You may be surprised!

During the Investigation

During the investigation the rules can change at any given moment. Use a buddy system,
NEVER go alone into any area of an investigation. If something happens in which you could soil
your undergarments remember not to run. Instead, calmly retreat making sure you are moving
safely out of the immediate area. Always be mentally aware of the exits and your escape routes.
Utilize a warning system to let others know that there is a potential unexplainable or
explainable danger. Two way radios work well for this, as do whistles, air horns, etc.

If you feel truly unsafe then remove yourself and your buddy from the area or investigation and
let the others know. Trust your intuition and respect the unknown. Do not overstep your
boundaries or agitate the unknown. Doing such can bring further harm to yourself or others in
your group. Though the occurrence of harmful physical attacks are rare, they do happen. I will
write a future article addressing these many forms of attacks which will include symptoms,
recognition and what to do when it happens to you. A simple push in a room may seem
harmless, but remember what that same push on the stairs or near something hazardous could
do. A simple headache or bout of light-headedness may seem harmless, but if it increases or
others experience the same thing then leave the area. Besides the unknowing causing such
things; chemical spills, gas leaks, carbon monoxide, etc. can also cause them.

Also make notes of any area which may actually "increase" in temperature during your
investigation for no explainable reason. Such rare occurrences are many times associated with
a Demonic or Inhuman haunting and even 99 percent of the most experienced groups out there
are not equipped to deal with such. Consult with an experienced demonologist or faith
practitioner if you encounter such.

Remember to leave an area the way you found it and to thank the unknown for letting you visit.

POST INVESTIGATION

After completing your investigation conduct your personal and group ritual to help ensure an
extra attachment does not accompany someone back to their house. Yes this can and does
happen!

If you start experiencing behavioral, emotional or mood changes or notice that someone in
your group has after conducting the investigation then start a journal noting such changes for
everyone in your group. If these changes increase or continue then seek help from a
practitioner of your faith or what you believe in, if this does not help then seek medical
attention.

If you yourself start experiencing a haunting at your home or anyone else from the
investigation does then start keeping a journal. Do not think you will investigate it yourself or
have your group come over for an in-home investigation. If it increases or continues then again
seek help from a practitioner of your faith or advise from reputable elements within the
paranormal community.

Dangerous elements do exist within the paranormal realms which you may be involved with.
You or someone you know can become a victim to what you set out to investigate or research.
Since you investigate such yourself then many times you feel that you can handle such by
yourself. This is not a wise thing to attempt. Remember the unknown also possesses unknown
dangers.

© Copyright 2006-07 Gregory Myers - Missouri Paranormal Research – All Rights Reserved used with permission © Copyright 2007www. Hauntedamericatours.com, MISSOURI PARANORMAL RESEARCH™ and WWW.MISSOURIPARANORMALRESEARCH.COM © 2004-2007
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