BE NEAT: Never litter. it is a good idea to carry a small trash bag to clean up any trash that might be on the property. If there is no trash on the property when you arrive, make sure there is no trash when you depart the property.
Car lights: Great for using to set up an overnight investigation spot. When you are doing so, remember, you can leave the car running until you're done setting up, this does not take that long. Remember when you turn off your car also turn your lights out so you don't have to call your better half to come get you in the morning because your car won't start with a dead battery.
Colognes: If you feel the need to smell sweet, then ghost hunting may not be for you. Thats not to say go dirty. I am saying take a shower before you go out and don't put any cologne on for the hunt. Many ghosts are associated with smells, like flowers, cigar smoke etc. You should be aware of this and if you have cologne on, that might cover up any ghostly smells. If you are doing an outside investigation and are in need of a good bug spray try to find one that is odor free.
Equipment: Aways test your equipment the day before going on an investigation. Make sure you know how your equipment works before you even try to use it in the field. Check all batteries with a tester to insure they are full. You should have at least three sets of new unused batteries when in the field for quick replacement as needed. Try not to carry to much at one time. You can make a few trips back to your car if you need something, remember ghost hunting should be fun. Besides you don't need a lot of equipment on an investigation. Try to bring the basics.
EVP's: When recording an evp, you must always speak clearly and never whisper, this can insure when you play back your evp that you know it is your voice or one of your team members. If there is a ghost in your area talking will not send them running away.
Flashlights: As mentioned before, always have plenty of extra batteries on hand. You should have more than one flashlight at any given time on an investigation. If you drop one and it breaks and need light, chances are the other one will work just fine. This goes back to always test your equipment before you leave for the night.
Food: Remember to have plenty of food and water if you are on an overnight investigation. If the night is warm you do not want to dehydrate, this is not good. You should take a few breaks from time to time. This is where the food comes in. Make sure you eat small things as not to get over full.
Ghosts: Ghosts do not follow you home. If you are frightened and leave a haunted location, the spirits generally will not follow you and can not affect your thoughts.
Harm: There are no documented cases of someone being seriously harmed by a ghost. If you're worried about this, choose a different hobby. Ghost hunting should be fun.
Home: Remember that you are visiting a location that spirits call "home". Behave politely as you would if you were in someone else's home.
Humor: While most of us have goor humor, never talk ill of the dead. Avoid sarcasm and jokes in haunted areas. Sometimes the spirits "get even".
ID: You should aways have your id badge with you, even if your not on an investigation, and just out having a little fun. If you are investigating a property you should always work with the local police department and let them know your intent. This is done after you get all the permission you need from the property owner. The id badge will let an officer know who you are if he or she was not informed by their department. This can insure you won't, go to jail for the night or be detained for longer than the investigation will last.
Leave: If you become unreasonably frightened, leave. Always follow your gut instinct if you are prompted to leave.
Location: Make sure you know the location of a place you want to investigate. Old buildings are great but hold a lot of dangers. Make sure the building is safe and secure. Many old buildings have broken steps and loose boards hanging from the rafters so you should know this going in. You should be aware of the surroundings of the building, make sure the footings are in good standing. A house or a building on the edge of a high hill or cliff might not be the best place to do an investigation. If the building is not sound you could get into a bit of trouble, broken leg, broken arm etc. Its not worth the trip to the local hospital just because you did not want to take a look around first. And again make sure you have permission first.
NEVER GO ALONE: When you are going out in the evening, it is a good idea to have a partner. If not for anything else, at least from a safety standpoint. Also if you witness anything , you have a little more proof if someone is with you. If you fall in a ditch or trip over a log at least you have help on hand.
NEVER TRESPASS: Look for warning signs . Avoid all areas that are posted prohibited. Always ask for permission before going onto someone else's property. Trespassing will only lead to trouble, like having to call your better half for bail money, not a good idea.
PARTNER: Always let your partner, wife, girlfriend, etc. know where you are going. You should let them know where you are going and how long you might be at any location. Let then know what time you are going to be home. If your running late, call them and let them know why so not to worry.
Pictures: If using a digital camera, you want to take as many pictures as you can. Make sure you have a few extra memory cards with you at all times. If using a film camera only you can make the call as to how many pictures you want to take, lets face it, it costs a lot more money for film than digital.
Recap: Yes again I mention, don't forget extra batteries. Make sure you know what type of battery each unit uses, and know how to change them in a hurry. Make sure you have at least three sets of batteries for every piece of equipment you use. If you don't need these extra batteries this hunt, you can use them on the next hunt. I have been on hunts where some people did not use this advice and had no chance of taking a picture of anything, much less a ghost.
Research: You must do research on the place you are about to investigate. The more research you do on places will only help you in finding haunted parts on the cemetery and or grounds. The historical society is a great place to start.
Smoking: You should not even think about smoking on an investigation. The only thing that will do is put false thoughts about your pictures when you view them back. Leave them in your car/truck at all times. It's called common sense.
Time: Aways remember to bring your watch. You will not be able to record times of a sighting or anything else for the matter if you don't have a watch.