Haunted House Safety Rules

[The Interpreter]

Yes, there are some limits, and for good reason:

...The Kansas State Fire Marshal, Dan McLaughlin, urges everyone that even though haunted houses are intended for family fun, they are considered high risk occupancies with regard to fire and life safety.

Haunted houses, whether a part of a larger amusement park or carnival layout or a smaller temporary structure, fall under the requirements of National Fire Protection Association Regulation 101 Life Code. According to a statement from the McLaughlin's office, complying with life safety requirements is vital. The tragic May 11, 1984 fire in the Haunted Castle at the Six Flags Great Adventure Park in New Jersey resulted in the deaths of eight visitors due to their inability to immediately exit the amusement structure.

Accordingly, Kansas has adopted the NFPA 101 life safety code which requires these types of facilities to comply with major components of fire and life safety. McLaughlin recommend to anyone considering operation or designing one of these amusements, special attention should be given to the following requirements:

* Automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13

* Automatic fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72

* Number of exits

* Exit signs, illumination and emergency lighting

* Travel distance to exits

* Use of flammable liquids

* Use of combustible interior finish

* Location of extinguishing equipment

* Adequate staff trained in evacuation and equipped with flashlights

* Established emergency procedures

* Readily available means to notify local fire, police and emergency medical services

For added safety, it may be necessary to limit occupant load, add additional emergency exits or establish other special precautions to minimize a potential risk due to some unique circumstance. In any event, every effort should be made to provide an enjoyable but safe environment as determined by the local fire inspection authority.

(emphasis added)

http://www.fstribune.com/story/1570594.html

Similar or stricter rules exist in most states, including Ohio and especially Kentucky (the latter largely due to the disastrous Beverly Hills Supper Club fire)