PRE-INVESTIGATION RESEARCH AND TOUR

As we mention later in another section, it is recommend to perform a little research on the location before you perform your investigation. Even if you are going to investigate a rumor or urban legend, this can be considered research; however the more you know about the location, the better you will be prepared for your investigation.

Some locations will offer a tour before you begin. THIS IS HIGHLY SUGGESTED. Here are some reasons why you should tour (or even just walk around) the location prior to an investigation:

1. It helps you learn the area with the lights on. You can mentally note an caution areas or obsticles you may run into in the dark. Safety is importantant, so take advantage of reviewing the location with the lights on.

2. You can learn the hot spots. If the area has been investigated before, the hot spots (or haunted areas) will be documented and in most cases the tour guide will point these out. This will help you in deciding where you will go during your investigation and what type of investigation techniques you will use.

3. You have a chance to interview and ask questions of the owner or tour guide. This is the time to ask your questions if you have them. Don't be afraid to find out more and this should be a part of your investigation. Take notes or record the tour on audio or video (if permitted). You may even capture some evidence during the tour... we have.

4. You can use this time to take some baseline readings such as temperture and EMF. If you are going to do this, make sure that you are noting these readings in your journal and you can refer to them later during your investigation.

5. If you have the opportunity, tour the location during the day to gather some research information before you return for a paranormal investigation. There is nothing to say that this cannot be part of your research. Most locaitons that offer ghost hunting investigations (or private residences) will allow you to take a few hours to go on a historical tour. Here you can learn the history, take photographs, make notes of the location, learn your way around or even gather and draw a map. This way, when you return for your paranormal investigation, you are already familiar with the location and it is much easier to navigate without the lights on.

 

Version 1.0 - Updated 2/22/2015