Some people and paranormal groups dismiss crime and safety and see it as an unimportant risk factor when attending a location, but many people just don’t realise how vulnerable they really can be whilst on investigations. Especially if you are investigating alone and also if you’re carrying expensive equipment.

BirminghamIU recognises these risks as a paranormal group and would like to offer others some simple safety advice that could assist a person or group in staying safe whilst out and about.

We always check and assess outdoor locations in the daytime first before visiting at night so we are fully familiar with the location along with it’s entrances, exits and secluded areas where people might hide. We plan possible escape routes from the location if we did find ourselves in danger, hanging around secluded dead ends at night isn’t a good plan and should be avoided if possible. One problem we sometimes encounter is discovering unsavoury items like used narcotics needles dangerously left by bins, on the floor or perhaps even in the bushes. As well as the obvious health risk of touching these items, there’s a higher risk of addicts turning up at the location any time. Just walking around a location in the day time often allows us to get a general feel for how safe it’s likely to be at night, but even if the location looks and feels safe, never get too complacent. At night no-one is ever left to wander off too far alone and we always uses radios for constant communication.

The risk of crime isn’t a problem for BirminghamIU alone. Groups and individuals can all get affected one way or another, and this is why we all have to get involved and work together to recognise the risk and educate.

Staying safe: do’s and don’ts

Do

• let someone know where you’re going and when
  you’ll be back
• be aware of who is around you. Especially on location or secluded places such as a graveyard.
• protect your mobile: don’t flash it around.
• keep your ringtone turned off, especially at night,
  so as not to draw attention to your phone
• trust your intuition; if you feel scared, act on it cross the street if you think you’re being followed
• go to the nearest shop, knock on a street door or ask an for help if you’re worried. Don’t feel embarrassed
• carry a personal alarm
• walk with a friend or college 2 or more persons if a lot safer than an individual alone
• tell someone if you feel threatened especially a founder member or a party of your group.

Don’t

• show your mobile in public, except in an emergency
• show your equipment and personal possessions off
• flash your belongings off to people. Even if they sound ‘interested in paranormal’ or are ‘inquisitive’ you don’t know who they could be.
• carry a knife or other weapon: it could be turned on you or get you into trouble with the police
• Take risks.