Northwest Paranormal Investigations

Tools of the Trade

A LIST OF SUPPLIES THAT CAN BE USED FOR INVESTIGATIONS

THE BASICS

35 MM CAMERA, REMOVE YOUR CAMERA STRAPS ~ Camera straps can be blamed for a false vortex , no strap no false readings.

FILM ~ 400 speed seems to be preferred, 800 and 1000 can be too grainy

EXTRA BATTERIES ~ You will find that on investigations your batteries can be drained by paranormal activities.

FLASH LIGHT ~ Used to see where you're going, also to reload your cameras

SMALL TABLET & PEN OR PENCIL ~ This is to note anything that may cause a false reading on your camera. When you first get to where you are going be sure to note Location, Date and Time, plus weather conditions. It wouldn't hurt to note location of moon and stars, you could take a picture that can show locations. These notes can also be compared with others who may have picked up a false reading.

BUDDY ~ For your safety you should never go alone in case of an accident or paranormal energy drain.

EXTRA GOODIES

LAZER PEN ~ Have been known to break the stream of light when hitting unseen objects.

COMPASS ~ A disturbance in the magnetic field can show on your compass

MAGNETIC DETECTORS ~ Can also show difference in magnetic field.

VIDEO CAMERA ~ Wonderful tool, but always state out loud if you have recorded, lights, flashes, bugs, dust or anything else that you have encountered that can affect what you think you see later, also it is recommended that you always use fresh film. It is also recommended to use colored cellophane,(red or blue), on the light to dim it, as light can be too bright.

2 WAY RADIO ~ This is recommended for all members in case someone falls, or to call the group in when its time to leave.

DIGITAL CAMERA ~ Excellent tool, but remember you do need your negatives from 35mm, in some cases, for true proof. Many take both types of cameras. Digitals are not trusted as much, as they can be tampered with on computers. In the case of catching true spirits your negative is your proof.

TAPE RECORDER ~ If you're wanting to try and do EVP's (Electronic Voice Phenomena), use a good recorder with an external, static free microphone. As built in microphones can pick up the tape recorder itself. You can get programs for your computer that can edit out the noise from your tape recorder. Small hand-held tape recorders are only good for interviews, unless you have a computer program to edit. It is also recommended that you use new tapes as old ones could have other sounds bleed over into your new recording. This applies to your videos too.

EMF DETECTOR (Electro-magnetic Field Meter) ~ The EMF detector is used to detect and determine the strength of electro-magnetic fields. While these fields are produced by many common items such as electric appliances, computers and even electric lighting fixtures,many in the field of paranormal investigations believe that changes in the background electro-magnetic fields are caused by the presence of spirits. Inexpensive meters for monitoring the electro-magnetic field are available from on-line sources and stores like Radio Shack.

THERMOMETER ~ INFARED NON-CONTACT~ these temperature detecting devices are used to determine the normal background temperature and any changes that occur. They are compact hand-held devices which emit a beam of infared light and use sophisticated electronic circuitry to determine the temperature of the surrounding air. Many paranormal investigators believe that drops in temperature accompany the presence of spirits. Inexpensive models are available from on-line sources.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

NEVER GO ALONE AND ALWAYS LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING. For your safety and your partners someone should always know where you are investigating. In the event of an accident someone will know where to look if you do not return within an expected time. Also a good idea to carry a first aid kit in your car in case of accidents.

DO NOT WEAR ANYTHING THAT CAUSES A SCENT AS THIS CAN AFFECT YOUR SENSES. One of the tools you use when investigating is your nose.

WHEN INVESTIGATING A HOME ASK THAT NOTHING THAT PERFUMES THE AIR BE USED. ALSO ASK THAT THE HEATERS BE TURNED DOWN OR OFF AS THIS CAN CAUSE DUST ORBS.

NEVER DRINK ALCOHOL BEFORE OR DURING AN INVESTIGATION The use of alcohol or drugs can affect your abilities to investigate, plus your ability to behave in a professional manner.

DO NOT SMOKE ANYWHERE EXCEPT YOUR CAR, SMOKE CAN SHOW UP IN PICTURES. It is very unprofessional to leave your butts on the ground, and can ruin a good picture. It could also cause a fire, no one would have us back again.

NEVER INVESTIGATE IN BAD WEATHER AS YOU CAN AND WILL GET FALSE ORBS. Rain and snow will look like orbs when developed.

DO NOT EVER TRY EXORCISM, LEAVE THAT TO PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE TRAINED. As we are not trained to perform exorcisms, we can cause more damage than good. This is and can be dangerous to you and the person you are trying to help.

NEVER ASSUME YOU ARE DEALING WITH A POLTERGEIST OR HAUNTING LEARN THE DIFFERENCE. To assume that you have one or the other can cause damage. Haunting and Poltergeists have a lot of the same characteristics. For your own safety and others you need to learn the difference.

ALWAYS HAVE PERMISSION BEFORE GOING ONTO ANY PROPERTY TO DO AN INVESTIGATION. ALWAYS CARRY YOUR I.D.

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