Some simple rules that need to be followed at ALL times!!!

[Tammy R]

For the record, if you are conducting an investigation in a Cemetery or Anywhere then YOU & YOUR GROUP are responsible for any and all damages that occur while your on the property. So that means be responsible, and be aware of everyone who is with you and make sure they are acting accordingly also, otherwise you might be in for big trouble. If you are at a location and someone shows up that you haven't invited ask them their reason for being there. If they belong there then they should be able to tell you the purpose, and if you are there LEGALLY you can contact Law Enforcement to have them come and verify if the person belongs there. BUT if someone shows up and becomes agitated or combative then use your better judgement, sometimes it's best for you to contact the person you were working for or with and let them know what is taking place and that your group is leaving. You can always return another time. SAFETY FIRST!!

First and foremost, TRESPASSING is ILLEGAL, and you can be FINED or JAILED or possibly even both for doing so. Make sure you have permission before going onto any posted property, or any abandoned or condemned buildings ALWAYS make sure you have permission before entering any cemeteries after posted hours also!!!! That is TRESPASSING ALSO!!!

2, ALWAY, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, be Respectful & Responsible especially in Cemeteries remember these are the final resting places of other peoples loved ones. Please have the common courtesy to refrain from horse playing or any other such actions that may cause damage to headstones or other memorials, VANDALISM is a crime also. And NEVER EVER URINATE OR DEFICATE IN A CEMETERY!!!! This is Completely and Totally Inexcusable!!!

3, NEVER use DRUGS or ALCOHOL during any investigation!!!!!!

4, Always take another person with you, it doesn't matter how unafraid you are or how tough you are. Strength has nothing to do with Ghost Hunting. If you are out somewhere in the dark and you by chance fall and get hurt, or heaven forbid you run into a situation where you end up at the wrong place at the right time and your alone, who will be there to help you? This is common sense, there is safety in number's

5, ALWAYS TAKE EXTRA FLASHLIGHTS AND BATTERIES, This is just more common sense, if your out in the dark you need some kind of light, batteries can go dead quickly especially if there is any kind of activity occurring at the location. The more lights and batteries you have the better. Also if for some reason you get stranded, your not sitting there in the dark.

6, ALWAYS let someone know EXACTLY where your going, who all is going, and approximately when you'll be back. This is just another safety net. I know we all have cell phones but a lot of times their put on silent while we are investigating, but if someone knows exactly where we are, and who is all with us, and the Sheriff of the County we're in aware of it also, then if there's an emergency and we can't be reached by phone the Sheriff can come and contact us immediately. Also if something shou;d happen, having someone know where your at gives the ability to have someone know where to begin looking for you. Some of us will be traveling and if bad weather or other events become an issue, then there's a general idea for your route of travel. So always make sure that you have left information on your location.

7. ALWAYS CARRY A CELL PHONE, 2 WAY RADIO'S OR WALKIE TALKIES, You need a Cell Phone incase there's an emergency and help needs to be called for right away. You also need Radio's or Walkie Talkies to stay In contact with the other members of your team once your groups have divided up. You should never be left without a way to contact another person if you need them, or if you get injured. Always have open communication with everyone, and make sure everyone knows and understands how to use them. Our code is radio check every half hour and to use the "CALL BUTTON" FOR EMERGENCIES, OR IF YOU NEED SOMEONE IMMEDIATELY!

7. DESIGNATE A "TEAM LEADER" Make sure that he or she knows and is familiar with everyone's comfort zone and is willing to act as the responsible party incase of an emergency. He or she will be responsible for contacting Law Enforcement, Caretakers, ect. to give all the necessary details about your outing, and will be in charge of dealing with anyone who may show up at the location. This should be someone you all agree on and once designated has the authority to make all final decisions including the choice to leave should they feel that things are to that point.

8. HAVE A "SAFE WORD" This should be something simple, that EVERYONE KNOWS, AND UNDERSTANDS. If this word is called or radioed out it means for EVERYONE NEEDS TO REGROUP AND LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!!! There is always another time to come back, and other Investigations to do. NEVER JEPRODIZE ANYONES HEALTH OR SAFETY.

9. HAVE A PLAN, the Team Leader should predetermine how each group will divide up and with what equipment each group will have.
Each member and or group should have a 2 way radio and MAKE SURE IT'S WORKING. Then there needs to be a set time and location for everyone to regroup and make sure everyone is ok and able to continue the Investigation. If there is anyone working alone, be sure they are present at the regrouping time, if they AREN'T then go AS A GROUP AND FIND THEM incase there's an emergency! Also use this time to check equipment, exchange group members and equipment, and check that Radios and Cell Phones are working.

10. Create "HAND SIGNALS" These can be simple gestures that everyone should know, so that if your at a location and have something occurring you can signal the other person to come check it out without using the phone or radio which could interfere with what your seeing/ hearing/ smelling, ect. And won't disrupt recordings with unnecessary noise. Or if your in groups and have to radio out to get the other groups attention, you can signal them once they are approaching the area.

11. NEVER EVER LEAVE ANYONE BEHIND, Always make sure that everyone is accounted for. If someone needs to leave an Investigation for any reason contact the Team Leader, make sure that EVERYONE IS AWARE THEY ARE LEAVING. If your in a situation where the person will be waiting/resting in a vehicle, have someone walk them out, don't let them go alone. And if possible have someone stay with them to monitor how they are doing incase of an emergency.

12. ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, Keep your eyes and ears open at all times not only for yourself and your safety but for everyone else who is with you also. If you feel something is wrong let your Team Leader know and watch for anything else that might be out of place. And if you feel your in danger, or if you or another member is being harmed LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!!! This is probably a sign that you are being told to "GET OUT" and you might be running up against something that your not prepared to deal with.

12. A good rule of thumb is to always take 2 pictures of everything. This lets you go back and review your findings and be able to see if there was something occurring in one photo and not in the next. That way your able to verify or debunk evidence.

13. ALWAYS bring your Photo ID, even when you have permission to be in certain locations, Law Enforcement may come and take down your names and other information for the record as being there on the property. As long as you are there legally this shouldn't be a problem Right? And if you don't provide proper identification then they can detain you.

14. NEVER litter, leave the property as you found it, or better. Place empty cans, bottles, trash in a garbage bag and put it in YOUR car.

15. If you smoke, it should be done in a designated area that's outside of the site if possible. DON'T throw your cigarette butts on the ground, butt them out and place them in your pocket or carry a small zipper bag to place them in. Never take photos if your smoking as this could cause false results in your evidence.

16. Don't wear perfumes, colognes or any heavily scented deodorants as the smells from them can be misleading if there are smells possibly being reported or detected.

17. ALWAYS bring snacks and drinks, once again if you get stranded, you may need them. And you do actually burn up a lot of energy while your out on an investigation.

18. If at all possible, try to check out the locations during the daytime to look for anything that might not be easily seen at night and could cause trips, falls or injuries.

19. Always be honest with your findings, or lack of. If you can explain it reasonably and rationally then do so. Part of being a good Investigator is being able to say "The phenomena is explainable due to... and give your reason" Remember Debunking activity is just as important as verifying it. People who may contact you for help want answers and are already dealing with enough. The last thing they need is someone coming in yelling "it's haunted" just because the wind blew a curtain open. (I know bad example, but you get the idea) So be your own worst skeptic, it might not always turn out the way you like, but your honesty will be appreciated.

20. If your really serious about doing Paranormal Investigations, then these rules should be simple to follow. If however your just out for the thrill then wait until Halloween and go play in the Haunted Houses. That's where horse play belongs, not out on an investigation. It only makes you look bad, and it also makes those of us who are serious look bad when others set bad examples!!! Our Team is NOT a "GHOST BUSTER GROUP" We ARE a "PARANORMAL RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION TEAM" But the Rules apply to everyone, Be Safe, Respectful, Serious and Honest.