With Halloween approaching, haunted attractions around the area are opening their doors for screams and scares. While you’re enjoying the pretend zombies, ghosts and ax murderers, watch for real-life safety concerns.

Don’t Fall for It

Most haunted attractions must comply with strict safety and fire codes, according to industry group America Haunts. State and federal regulations mandate that floors be free of trap doors or other items that could cause you to stumble.

That said, haunted attractions are usually dark, and the floors may be wet from mist or fog – a perfection combination for losing your footing.

Do your best to avoid falls by wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothing that’s not too loose or baggy. Stay on the path or walkway and take the stairs slowly. Report any concerns about walkability to the scare actors or management.

Keep Your Hands to Yourself

Before you go, investigate the attraction’s policy on actors touching guests. Most places will have a “no touching” policy, meaning actors cannot make physical contact while scaring you. It’s important for you to abide by the policy too – that means you cannot put your hands on actors, props or other guests.

If you decide to go to an attraction that allows the actors to touch you, do additional research to prepare yourself. See what other guests are saying about the type of physical contact and seriously reflect on your own level of comfort. You also should inquire about a waiver you must sign to allow contact, as well as the attraction’s policy for reporting concerns.

Get Me Out of Here

You probably won’t notice it while you are walking through, but indoor haunts have all the usual fireproofing and suppression systems. Sprinklers, smoke detectors, emergency lights and extinguishers must be throughout the facility, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Before you start into the attraction, it’s also a good idea to ask about the locations for fire exit doors. Watch for them as you go through, just in case. And if a fire evacuation occurs, stay calm and follow the instructions from attraction staff.

The Call Is Coming From Inside the House

Part of the appeal of haunted attractions is the unknown – a clown that jumps in front of you or a “boo” right behind your shoulder.

For other people, however, these situations are not fun and can cause persistent fear and anxiety in their own minds.

Seriously evaluate a child or young teen’s readiness for an attraction. Just because they enjoyed watching a zombie movie doesn’t mean they will be fine with a zombie chasing them in real life.

Even certain grown-ups should pass on haunted attractions. If you panic and run when scared, that could be dangerous for other guests and actors. And those with certain medical conditions should check with their provider to see if it could be exacerbated by jump scares.

Haunted attractions should be spooky, yet fun. And if it doesn’t sound like a good time to you, it’s better to opt out than put yourself and others in danger.

Sources:
America Haunts
National Fire Protection Association