How to Ghostbust Your Home

This Old House online (Page 3 of 4)

Photo Illustration Mark Hooper

Photo: Paranormal Research and Investigative Studies Midwest

The TriField Natural EMF Meter, often referred to as "the ghost detector," detects radio/microwaves and changes in electric and magnetic fields using both a needle type meter and audible tone.

Photo: Paranormal Research and Investigative Studies Midwest

The German-made Mutidetector II Professional looks and feels like a stove lighter, but is actually a Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) detector with a series of colored lights that allow users to check readings in the dark. The settings can be changed to read electrical or magnetic fields.

Photo: Paranormal Research and Investigative Studies Midwest

The Extecg 42540 Mini-High-Temperature Infrared Thermometer measures surface temperatures from -58 to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit, to help detect frigid spirits and blazing spectres. A built-in laser pointer identifies the target area, and the backlit display allows measurements at night or in low-light areas.

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The Investigation
After ruling out natural explanations, the researcher might decide that an investigation of your house is warranted. Prepare to be invaded! Research teams can be made up of five to six individuals. And investigations can be very invasive. There will be photographs taken of the house, and hundreds of feet of video shot. They will ask you dozens of questions—many of which will seem unconnected, and perhaps even embarrassing. They will ask you to describe the events that occurred, and your statement will be recorded. But bear with them. These questions have a purpose, and the investigators will be working to try to legitimize your story, and determine if the reported activity is real.

Here are some things that you should be aware of when it comes to legitimate paranormal investigations:

Investigators should arrive at your home with healthy skepticism and an open mind to all possibilities. Good ones remain non-committal until they've had a chance to gather all the evidence.

Make sure the investigators know how to use their equipment. If there is anything you don't understand, ask them to explain. If they can't, you may have a problem.

Reporters or other members of the media should never accompany investigators without your permission. The investigators are duty-bound to keep all aspects of your case confidential, unless they have your permission to disclose anything.

Make sure everyone who experienced anything unusual in your house is present on the night of the investigation. And don't let friends and relatives over who simply want to watch the proceedings. They can be distracting to you and the investigators.

It's important to remember that if you start feeling uncomfortable with what is going on at any point in the investigation, you have the absolute right to call it off. The investigators are guests in your home. They should be given the respect that such a title signifies, but they must respect your feelings and fears as well.