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Can we get shut down? Heck ya. It is up to you to do the research.

78K views 82 replies 48 participants last post by  DEMON DEAN 
#1 ·
This topic has come up every year when someone's haunt gets shut down and a reminder warning was brought up at the last Colorado gathering. Since we have a new influx of members it's time to get y'all thinking about safety.

In Fort Collins, Colorado, ALL haunted houses are required to obtain a permit and pass a fire inspection. It doesn't matter if you are charging admission or not the rules must be followed. Now, there is no distinction between a "haunted house" and a "yard haunt" on the government website but the rumor at the Colorado gathering was that yard haunts also had to follow the same rules.

Here's what the haunters in Fort Collins have to do:
1. All haunted houses must conform to the Uniform Building Code for temporary buildings or structures.
2. No fire protection systems (alarms or sprinklers) in any building shall be obstructed by the construction of this haunted house.
3. “NO SMOKING” signs must be posted at the entrance.
4. There shall be trained staff members with flashlights available at all times. These staff members must know the interior maze, exit facilities, and enforce “no smoking” restrictions within the area.
5. No readily combustible material can be used for construction or decoration in the haunted house unless it is treated with a flame-retardant chemical. NO BLACK PLASTIC IS ALLOWED.
6. All electrical wiring must conform to the National Electrical Code for temporary installations.
7. Fire extinguishers of at least a 2A rating must be placed every 75 feet of travel distance. The trained staff must know where they are and how to use them.
8. Customers may be required to be escorted through the haunted houses by haunted house staff, i.e. 10 in/10 out.
9. Additional single station smoke detectors may be required by the Fire Marshal.
An on-site consultation and inspection of the area to be utilized as a “haunted house”

What sort of rules do you have to follow in your city?

Another huge WTH was that home haunts and pro haunts had to carry additional insurance (home owners insurance wasn't enough). I haven't found anything online yet to back this up. Apparently the fraternities and sororities may have been playing fast and loose with public safety (rumor) and the city government decided to drop the hammer before anyone got hurt.

Revenant mentioned fire inspections and black plastic on Hauntcast a few shows back. It was an important warning. Did you know that fabric/plastic that has been treated with a fire retardant has a shelf life of a YEAR??? That's right. One year, one season. That means there could be haunts out there that will not pass a fire inspection due to 366 day old material.

If you are doing a walk though or haunted house it is up to you to make sure that your structure passes codes. All it takes is one neighbor or one rival haunt to make a call to the fire department and get you shut down.

Take a few moments, do the research and protect yourself and your hobby/passion/addiction.
 
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#81 ·
Fortunately, the authorities in my area do not hassle me or the others in town who do front yard cemetery themed haunts. In fact, every year the local police inevitably drive up to my place while I am setting up and tell me how much they and their families enjoy visiting my yard haunt.
 
#82 ·
That's in part, why I decorate the whole neighborhood. Nobody would ever just stumble upon the haunt that may cause concern to some overzealous parties. You have to first notice that something is a little "off" in your local park or schoolyard, then follow clues, then pass an exam, then complete wave upon wave of challenges just to get in. On top of that, it's only possible for 36 people total to enter, most two at a time. Never mind the decoy haunt, and there is a safety warning to that before going in.
I'm common sense responsible though, just don't have time for "all the rules". Sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission. Your mileage may vary.
 
#83 ·
Its a shame how the world is changing. Today most people are sue happy which spoils it for others. Back in the day things seemed to be much simpler and people seemed to be happier. We even as kids went door to door for trick or treating without worrying about getting poisons or mugged. As for setting up a fun haunted house it was all done for free just for fun. Now you have to get permits (more money to put out) guide lines to go by or you will get fines (more money) etc. There intent is to protect the people or is it just to make more money. Its amazing how back in the day we didn't need any of this!
 
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