Anyone can go on a paranormal investigation. When I first started I didn't have any fancy equipment, I just rounded up a few mates willing to come, a torch, and a 'let's go and spend some time in a haunted place' kind of attitude. In this brief guide I'll give you some tips as to what equipment to take and what rules to follow when you get to your location.

Equipment

Essential gear that won't break the bank, you probably already own most of this equipment

Open Mind - Having an open mind is vital, or no matter what, you'll never believe

Good Research - The correct location and information about that place can make or break an investigation

Torch - Essential piece of equipment, take a spare to be sure you always have light

Camera - Digital or 35mm, the choice is yours. It's believed that 'orbs' captured on a 35mm camera are more difficult to disprove

Spare Batteries - Common for batteries to be drained when out on investigation, take lots of spare torch and camera batteries

Mobile Phone - Don't run the risk of being caught in the middle of nowhere and in need of help, always have a charged phone

Trigger Object - Something you can put down and draw around to see if a spirit moves it, crucifix or stack of pennies are common

Pen and Notepad - to make notes of occurences and also to draw around trigger object

EMF Meter - Measures electrmagnetic fluctations which can be caused by spirit, not as expensive as you may think

First Aid Kit - Accidents can happen, be prepared

Suitable Clothing - Going somewhere you may have to climb? Take sensible shoes. If it's cold take extra layers

Tape Recorder or Dictaphone - Can pick up sounds you may not hear initially, especially if you ask specific questions

Video Camera with Night Vision - Not essential, but if you have one you may capture something and have video evidence of it

Pendulum or Dowsing Rods - Again, not essential, but worth taking to try and communicate with spirit.

Protocol

The Protocol we follow on investigations

Respect - Respect your location, the spirits, and your fellow investigators

Keep an Open Mind - As I've already said if you don't have an open mind you'll not experience anything to change your mind

Share Research with Others? - Up to you, if everyone knows the history and hauntings then they are prepared, but if only one person knows the history then happenings reported by others who don't know what's to be expected can be better proof.

Never Go on an Investigation Alone - I know, I know, I've carried out some investigations on my own, however I certainly wouldn't recommend it as being out somewhere alone can be dangerous and it can also be a terrifying experience. If you do go alone, be careful and make sure someone knows where you are. Also, if you're alone then you can never be sure of what you experience as you've no one to back it up.

Don't Dabble with what You Don't Understand - I personally won't have anything to do with Ouija board because I've heard some horror stories and although they may just be stories, I don't want to run the risk of 'summoning' spirit into my own house. I will however try to communicate with spirit but I won't challenge spirit or mock spirit. Be careful.

There's Normally a Rational Explanation - If you experience something unsual, always rationalise first as there is probably a natural explanation, although not always.....

Know Your Team - I only carry out investigations with people I've known a long time and can trust to never make things up to make things more interesting if an investigation is going slowly. I know most people wouldn't do that, but it's just to be sure.

Visit Location During Daylight - This will ensure you know how to get there and don't spend hours driving around in the dark, this is also a good way of getting a feel for the place, deciding which areas to concentrate on. If the ground is uneven or there is climbing involved you will know to be careful after dark.