Haunted House season is upon Illinoisans and safety is a top priority for the Illinois Department of Labor and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Dale Simpson says that haunted houses can provide special hazards that make them particularly vulnerable to fire and fire injuries if codes aren’t followed.  Owners of haunted houses need to make sure they keep the public and worker's safety in mind.  

Two tragic fires in the 1970s and 1980s at haunted houses have led to closer scrutiny of haunted house safety. Most haunted houses in Illinois are required to have smoke detectors and be protected by automatic sprinklers.  Rules from the OSFM serve as the minimum requirements.  Local fire and building departments can ask for stronger requirements. 

Exits and pathways must be wide enough to account for the maximum number of people in the amusement, there must be a limited number of dead-end paths, and a provision of panic hardware on exit doors.  There must also be restrictions on open flame devices or pyrotechnic special effects, furnishings, and decorations required to be flame resistant, and all workers must be prepared for all emergencies. 

Halloween is the second busiest season for IDOL inspectors and IDOL Acting Director Jane Flanagan says that the Illinois Department of Labor is working hard to make sure that public safety is met at all events to provide a fun and safe visit for everyone.