Postings the like the picture above from the Lizzie Bordon house aren't always there to lead the way, so The GBPA has compiled some tips to help you along.
These are the elements of physical group safety I consider most critical, but remember you can never stop working towards the goal of keeping your team safe, so the list is always growing...
1. If possible, you should visit the location in daylight before the investigation. There are many good reasons for this, but safety definitely ranks highly among them. You can get an idea of where the hotspots are so you have a camera placement plan, but you also can keep an eye out for what the hazards might be in those areas so you can brief the team before going back in the dark!
2. Investigations usually make for long nights. Get a good night’s sleep the night before and/or try and get some rest the day of the investigation. Not only does a tired investigator miss things, but more importantly being tired makes dangerous locations more dangerous!
3. If the time comes and you’re not feeling well don’t investigate or at least make sure the team leader knows.
Some investigations are potentially once in a lifetime, but none of them are as important as your health. You can man the command center or contribute in other ways without going out to hotspots.
4. This tip may seem obvious to you but sadly that’s not the case with everyone. Never go to a site drunk, or under the influence of any substance. Setting aside the fact that you want to avoid the negative influences that can be effects, the obvious dangers apply. As you’ve seen from the pictures on our website and others, investigation locations can be hazardous, and the conditions we impose on ourselves (darkness, etc.) are inherently dangerous as well. It’s critical that you be on your game when the lights go out!
5. Stay hydrated. Some locations, along with being hazardous, are temperature extreme as well. It doesn’t take more than one summer night on a steel ship to get that point across, but the truth is that many locations are very humid in the summer months. Bring plenty of water, and some snacks are a good idea as well!
6. Don’t rush your equipment check!
a. Batteries! I’m always amazed when a battery dies and a team has no spares. Seriously? Virtually every piece of equipment you’re carrying is battery powered. Bring plenty of batteries!
b. Keep in touch. Most groups have radios so they can keep in contact. You don’t need NASA communications either, simple two way radios so that you can keep tabs on where the teams are is an important way to keep the gang safe.
c. Getting back to the idea of spares, bring two flashlights. I generally carry foursmall tactical flashlights with me on long investigations. It will only take one time getting stuck in a dark and close area with a dead flashlight to learn this lesson on your own, by why take the chance? They're small and lightweight so why not bring an extra?
7. Isolation Sessions are special circumstances and should be undertaken only under controlled conditions. The individual should be visible on the display at the command center and should be accessible by radio at all times. Otherwise, always investigate in teams or at least in pairs. It’s very easy to get caught up in an investigation when things get tense, and that’s when you most need to know where everyone is. So nobody should go off alone!
8. In the above paragraph I mention things getting tense. This is something that happens (if we’re lucky!) on some investigations and you need to be prepared for it. There’s nothing wrong with being afraid under these circumstances, but panic never helps. Ever. Running in these locations is a sure way to get yourself or someone else hurt, so try and stay calm. It’s easier said than done I know, but prepare yourself mentally to see or hear what you went there to see or hear…
As always if you have any questions about the things I’ve outlined above drop any member a line or email info@thegbpa.org
There are other dangers in what we do that aren’t as obvious as the ones discussed here. Not as obvious, not as clear cut but just as easily prepared for if you know how. Check the other protection pages for more information.