On any given day, I can jump online and read an e-mail asking me "Where's a good place to start looking for ghosts?" My first response is always a cemetery. It's an open, easy place to learn the skills needed for this hobby. The next sentence I write is always the same…take a buddy.

        Maybe you're asking yourself "Why should I take a buddy?" Well, that's what this article is about. You should NEVER go anywhere alone. I can't stress this enough with beginner ghost hunters or even some experienced paranormal investigators.

        Going out to a cemetery late at night is bad enough, but doing it alone is just asking for trouble. Yes, some of you out there have done it and will continue to do it (including myself at times), but it's just not a good idea. This is true not only for cemeteries, but for any place you go looking for ghosts. The problem is safety. Many of you guys just starting out may not be aware of this, but many cemeteries have open graves, open down to about six feet! This is sometimes done a day or two before a funeral, so it can be ready for the new arrival. If you get "creeped" out by just walking around a graveyard, just image falling into an open grave! Not only is this a scary situation, it could be dangerous. A six foot (or more) fall could do some damage, like spraining or breaking part of your body. If you can't climb out or call for help, you might just be staying there for more then you anticipated.

        Something else to think about is the "wackos." Yes, for lack of a better word, these crazy people do wander around cemeteries at night. I've run into a few during my years and its not always pleasant. Some may be out to hurt you, while others will catch on to what you're doing and want to "play". This will cause the investigation to be worthless by the end of the night.

        Whenever you plan an investigation, be sure to keep safety in the back of your mind. Don't allow anyone to go off alone…and if they insist, at least know where they're going and for how long. If too much time goes by, you'll be able to find them. If you need to split into teams, be sure everyone knows where each team is. Make sure everyone knows the exits and how to get to them.

        This all may sound silly, but it may be very important one day. One day when a fire starts in that old, abandoned building you're investigating…or part of the floor collapses from under one of your teams, because of weak floorboards. Am I over reacting here? Maybe, but it only takes one overly curious investigator in a not-too-stable haunted house to turn an investigation into an accident scene.

        Something you might not consider a possibility is the "Frightened Factor". What happens when we get startled? It depends on the person, right? Some scream, some jump, some throw a punch and some pee their pants (Laugh now, and hope it doesn't happen to you). Still, some turn and run blindly from panic, some will have an emotional episode many of us aren't qualified to deal with, while others may have a more serious reaction (as in the heart). Until a person actually goes through this experience, they won't really know what sort of reaction they'll have.

        If they turn and run widely, there's no telling what may happen. They could fall down some stairs, fall off a balcony, or get lost…causing more panic to develop. An emotional episode could include a person crying uncontrollably, not knowing where they are or who you are. They could become hysterical, which may lead to them running in a panic. You're worst case is the last one, and does the most damage. If a person has a weak heart or is simply not ready to accept the existence of a ghost…the shock may be more then they can handle. This person doesn't have to be old, it can happen to anyone.

        Not every danger can be avoided simply by having a buddy with you, but it can better your chances of making it out safely. So please, do me a favor and call a friend before going out looking for ghosts.

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