This page is under construction and information will be added as it is received.  This is a very important issue and we all need to address the safety of the people working with us as well as the people we are inviting to join in our Halloween fun.  With a little effort, some very reasonable measures of public safety can be achieved which would be of great benefit to all involved. By following a few simple practises you can avoid closures by your local fire inspector.  This page is intended to help you make your Haunt safer and is by no means intended to guarantee that you are safe.  Please use this information to help you make you Halloween safer.  And Hey, I won't be responsible for how you interpret this.  I am not a fire fighter, I am just a wacky mom.

Here is a copy of the section of the Fire Code which affects those of us who like to create a great Halloween experience for the enjoyment of others.  This section of the code is used in both Canada and the United States, it is in fact originally from the State of Maryland.  I will highlight in red my personal opinions or those expressed to me by professionals in the field of fire safety.

MEMORANDUM
 

TO: All Assistant State Fire Marshals, Special Deputy State Fire Marshals, Deputy State Fire Marshals, Fire Safety Inspectors and Fire Protection Engineers
 

FROM: William E. Barnard, CFPS, State Fire Marshal
 

DATE: September 23,2002
 

RE: Minimum Fire and Life Safety Guidelines for "Haunted Houses"
 

Purpose: To establish minimum fire and/or life safety guidelines for the use and operation of
"Haunted Houses" in the State of Maryland.
 

Scope: The following guidelines are intended to apply to "Haunted Houses" which typically operate during the Halloween season at special community or local fund raising events. They may also apply to similar commercial activities such as carnivals and other seasonal amusement activities.  This means us

Fire and Life Safety Guidelines:

These guidelines have been updated to include requirements prescribed in the NFP A I Fire Prevention Code, 2000 edition, and the NFP A 101 Life Safety Code, 2000 edition, both of which are incorporated by reference as part of the State Fire Prevention Code. These guidelines are necessarily general in scope and should be applied with appropriate professional judgement and common sense in consideration of the overall fire and life safety situation.

By nature, many of these types of facilities are unique; thus, the fire safety concerns are unique and must be evaluated accordingly. Special attention should be given to overall exit arrangement, exit travel distance, exit and emergency lighting, use of flammable liquids and combustible interior finish and construction materials, use and operational condition of fire detection, alarm and extinguishing equipment, use of special effects, adequate trained and supervised staff, established emergency procedures, and 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 fire safe environment as determined by the local fire inspection authority.

By "unique" as explained to me, everybody's Haunt is different and a slightly different set of rules can be applied to each case.  IE. someone doing a garage haunt for a food bank collection drive may not be examined as harshly as a large organization doing a $30.000 fundraiser in a commercial building.  Some people may have better ways of evacuation so the fire spread rating is not as much of a concern.  My old barn will burn to the ground long before the fire department could get here however, I have hard wired smoke detectors, lots of well marked exits, and someone following each group with emergency lighting that can guide visitors to emergency exits.  In my case, safe and speedy evacuation is the key.  Others in the area had to concentrate more on "fire spread ability"  Bottom line here is it is all up to the fire inspector.  Ask what improvements you can make, often they are easy to implement.  The fire inspector is a nice guy and is usually willing to help.
 

1. In general, such facilities shall comply with the provisions of the State Fire Prevention Code and shall be classified as a "Special Amusement Building" as defined in the NFP A 101 Life Safety Code, 2000 edition. New facilities are addressed in section 12.4.7 and existing facilities are addressed in section 13.4.7. In addition, all Special Amusement Buildings, regardless of occupant load, shall meet the requirements for Assembly Occupancies. (12.4.7.1 and 13.4.7.1).

2. Every special amusement building, other than buildings or structures not exceeding 10ft. in
height and not exceeding 160 sq.ft. in horizontal projection, shall be protected throughout by
an approved automatic sprinkler system. Where the special amusement building is movable
or portable, the sprinkler water supply shall be permitted to be provided by an approved,
temporary means. (Note: In some instances, such as barns and abandoned houses, this may
present significant practical hardships for temporary occupancies. As an alternative,
consideration may be given to the overall fire and life safety risk, on a case-by-case basis, to
determine if additional safety precautions such as additional exits, limited occupant load,
additional staff to perform "fire watch" duties, etc. will provide a reasonable level of safety
as determined by the local fire authority.

This is what they made me do, I use an old barn for 2 weeks out of the year, it serves no other purpose.  It would be considered unrealistic to expect this building to pass 1998 building codes and no way could I bare the cost of all the normally required upgrades such as sprinkler systems.  Again, for me, evacuation is key.
 

3. Each occupied floor shall be provided with at least two (2) approved means of egress, located
as remote as possible from each other. For small facilities, the second means of egress may
be an approved "means of ~" such as a window or escape hatch which leads to a safe
area outside the building. Each exit and the access to reach it shall be clearly indicated and
marked by directional exit signs as necessary so that every occupant can readily see the
direction of escape from any point.

By code (I think) the rule of thumb is 70 paces from one exit (egress) to another.  But keep it safe and aim for 50 paces to every exit.  This is what I agreed to do in my discussions with the Fire Commissioner.  Safer is Better.  If you know what is expected before you design you Haunt, than this can be easily implemented.
 

4. Unoccupied floors or areas not allowed to be occupied by the general public shall be
appropriately secured against unauthorized entry.

Lock the damn door.
 

5. Any doorway or passageway that is not an exit or a way to reach an exit, but may be
mistaken as an exit, shall be identified with a "No Exit" sign to prevent occupant confusion
with designated exits. Every effort shall be made to prevent occupants mistakenly traveling
into dead-end spaces in a fire emergency.

Don't make your own exit signs that blend-in with your environment.  This is one time when it is OK for something to not look like original Gothic.  Spend the $10 and buy the fluorescent signs.
 

6. Exits shall be identified by approved self-luminous or electrically illuminated exit signs,
permanently or temporarily wired in a satisfactory manner. Exit signs may be externally
illuminated by a reliable power source. The size of the letters in the word "Exit" shall be
large enough to be seen but not less than 6-inches high and 3/4-inches wide. The exit sign
shall be of a distinctive color on a contrasting background (e.g.: red or green letters on a white
background or vice-versa) and shall be readily apparent with respect to nearby decorations,
interior finish, or other signs.
 

7. If necessary, low level exit signs located at or near floor level shall be provided in
accordance with Section 7.10.1.5. Consideration may also be given to special floor
proximity egress path marking such as special internally illuminated wiring, reflective tape or
other acceptable product.
 

8. All interior stairs and other openings between floors shall be properly enclosed, sealed or
otherwise protected against possible fire spread, as considered necessary in accordance with
the NFP A Life Safety Code.
 

9. No decorations, furnishings or equipment shall be allowed to obstruct, impair or otherwise
detract attention from the visibility or use of an exit. Under no circumstances shall an exit be
part of a mirrored wall.

You don't want to see this headline. "Five year old gets severely burned in home built garage haunt fire because he was too scared to pass by the giant monster to get to the emergency exit."

10. Where the nature of the special amusement building is such that it is operated in reduced lighting levels, the building shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 9.6. Actuation of any smoke detection system device shall sound an alarm at a constantly attended location on the premises. Actuation of the automatic sprinkler system, or any other suppression system, or actuation of a smoke detection system having an approved verification or cross-zoning operation capability shall provide the following:

Cause illumination in the means of egress to increase to that required by Section 7.8.

 Stop any conflicting or confusing sounds and visuals.

(Note: As an alternative to the above, consideration may be given to use of a master
lighting switch under the direct control of an attendant at a constantly attended location that would illuminate the total area in the event of emergency or activation of smoke alarms. This should be limited to small or temporary facilities.)

All my main lighting has been kept on separate circuits from the special effects lighting so I can quickly and easily turn on the main working lights in the barn.  Also, the people that follow each group carry a good flashlight, they know where all the light switches and exits are.  (These guides are also in the perfect position to trigger effects such as pneumatic pop-ups thus saving the need for wiring sensor triggers on props.)

11. Where mazes, mirrors or other layouts are designed to confound the egress path, approved directional exit marking that will become apparent to the occupant in an emergency shall be provided.

12. Emergency lighting is required along all means of egress and in all assembly areas. Battery packs are acceptable as well as emergency generators if the building is to be occupied on a temporary basis. Consideration may be given to the use of flash lights or other portable battery operated hand lights under certain circumstances provided an adequate number of such devices and assigned supervisory personnel are available as directed by the fire official.

13. Construction of interior partitions, cubicles, mazes and the like shall be of non-combustible materials such as gypsum wallboard on wood or metal studs, brick, concrete block, plaster, etc. Under no circumstances shall the extensive use of exposed plywood, wood paneling or wood frame partitions be allowed where such material would substantially contribute to the ignition, spread or intensity of a fire. Use of fire retardant treated materials shall be restricted since may such products tend to produce unacceptably high levels of smoke when exposed to fire. In any case, interior construction materials shall be consistent with the general type of construction of the building.

14. Interior finish of walls and ceilings shall be Class "A" throughout (flame spread 25 or less) in accordance with Section 10.2.

15. Use of draperies, cardboard and flammable vinyl materials for use as interior finish or
display purposes shall not be used unless they are inherently flame resistive, self- extinguishing or otherwise fire retardant treated in an approved manner as per NFPA 701.

This stuff is not great but I found the fire department to be flexible on this as long as evacuation was made easy.

16. Under no circumstances shall the use of exposed urethane foam, foam rubber or similarly
highly combustible "cushion" or "molded" material be allowed, unless such material is covered or otherwise protected by gypsum wallboard, plaster or other non-combustible covering providing at least a 15 minute fire resistance rating. (Note: As an alternative, a display using such material may be located within a fire rated enclosure with wire glass or
fire rated glass vision panels.)

17. All wiring and electrical appliances must comply with the National Electrical Code, NFP A
70. A licensed electrician shall install all wiring. Special attention should be given to assure
adequate clearance is provided between electrical appliances subject to heated surfaces and
nearby combustible materials. All electrical wiring and electrical appliances shall be subject
to inspection by an approved electrical inspection agency.

Just a note:  did you know that those black light lite bulbs we all have at least 2 of are not supposed to be used in the downward position?  They should be either horizontal or facing up. When in a regular ceiling fixture, they generate so much heat that even the fixture heats-up excessively.  Left on they could easily ignite something.

18. Special attention shall be given to the permitted types of construction for Assembly
Occupancies for new or existing construction as prescribed by the NFP A Life Safety Code,
Sections 12.1.6 and 13.1.6 respectively. Where such existing construction requirements
cannot be met, consideration may be given to restrict the occupant load to not more than fifty
(50) persons.

19. Smoking and the use of pyrotechnic devices (fireworks) or open flame devices such as
cigarette lighters, candles, canisters, kerosene lamps, kerosene heaters, flash powder, shall be
strictly prohibited inside or around the outside of special amusement buildings or display
areas. Signs shall be conspicuously posted for this purpose.

Duh....

The fire commissioner told me that the big thing with the teenagers this year is to set off fire works inside buildings.  He suggested that all bags and backpacks remain outside.

20. Adequate "Fire Lanes" and emergency access to the premises shall be provided in
cooperation with the local fire department.

21. An adequate number and type of portable fire extinguishers shall be provided on the premises
for use by the staff. At least one 2A:10BC (10-lb. multi-purpose) rated fire extinguisher shall
be provided within 75 ft. travel distance to all areas. Extinguishers shall be properly
mounted and located near an exit. All staff shall be familiar with the location and use of such
fire extinguishers.

22. All staff shall be trained and drilled in the duties they are to perform in case of fire, panic or
other emergency to effect orderly exiting. This shall include personnel specifically assigned
to notify the fire department and other appropriate emergency services. Staff shall be
specifically instructed to devote their immediate attention to the safe evacuation of occupants
and notification of the fire department before attempting to fight a fire, in order to prevent
possible injury or delayed alarm.

23. Where deemed necessary by the fire authority, an automatic smoke detection system shall be
provided to warn occupants of a fire, especially in a building where a fire may not be
immediately obvious to provide adequate occupant warning. Use of battery operated smoke
alarms may be considered for this purpose on a temporary basis if acceptable to the fire
authority.

24. For added safety, the fire authority may limit the occupant load to a small group of people at
a time to be "ushered" through a display with proper supervision. Also, the general public shall be restricted to only those floors or areas which are provided with sufficient exits as
prescribed by the NFP A Life Safety Code.

25. All required exits shall be kept unlocked and readily accessible at all times when the building
is occupied.

26. The local fire department (Chief Officer) shall be contacted and advised of the precise site location and address of the activity and the proposed dates and hours of operation so they
may have the opportunity to make any appropriate pre-plan arrangements.

Effective Date: The aforementioned fire and life safety guidelines for Haunted Houses shall be
effective this date and shall remain in force until cancelled or superseded by other directive from the State Fire Marshal.

Those personnel requiring further assistance or advice concerning these guidelines should
contact the Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal or Chief Fire Protection Engineer.

So, you've read all this and guess what? Its not so bad is it.  All these issues can be dealt with if worked into you plan from the beginning.  If you do have concerns or you don't quite understand how to do something, your local fire department would probably be happy to help you figure it all out. Sometimes the actual inspectors can be very hard to deal with though.  They have their list of rules and sometimes they will not deviate from them.  This is what I found so I went to the top immediately and discussed the problems with the Fire Commissioner.  He turned out to be a very nice guy and more than willing to work with me to improve my situation, thereby enabling me to get back on track and raise the money for the school that I originally planned.

A few other pointers:

- look for fire retardant sprays at your local paint store and if you do buy some be sure to get the paperwork that says it does what it claims.  The fire department won't take your word for it, they want to see the documentation.

- also check the fabric stores for fire retardant fabrics, but the same rule applies here, get the documentation to back-up the product.

- update your fire extinguishers, they can be tested.  Every six months, turn them upside down and whack the heck out of the bottom of them with a rubber hammer or hammer wrapped in a towel, this loosens the powdered chemical inside so it will flow.

- keep your eyes open for discarded metal siding and use in place of OSB.  Also, get scrap drywall for divider walls and stucco for a cool gothic or cave look.  Use tile grout instead of Monster Mud.  Its water resistant, hard as a rock, and although it is not fire rated, I have found it to be fire resistant.

Safe Coat Fire Retardant Coatings  fire retardant

National Fire Protection Association  online magazine

Cease Fire   fire retardant

Oak Island Entertainment and Productions  offers lots in the way of coatings for the haunter and reasonable prices

Have a happy haunting season and try to keep it as fun and safe as possible.  Don't wait until you get shut down to be safe.

UPDATE FROM FIRE CODE SEMINAR AT FFBC 2005

 presented by Gordon Anderson, Assistant Fire Chief of the Surrey Fire Department

First let me say that this is just my interpretation of some of the information gathered at this seminar and I am in no way fully knowledgeable in the Fire Code, I just want to be able to build as safely as I can so I choose to work with the fire department rather than hide from them and hope for the best.  This info is only meant to help you think of safety and your area Inspectors may look at things differently.

It is always, and I mean always best to invite your local Fire Inspector over at least one month before opening so you can fix problems.  If you haven't started building yet, go to their office and meet with them.  They will tell you what they will look for.  If you can incorporate safety in the beginning you are way further ahead.  And as the title states, "Fire Safety, its not as hard as you think"

The Code is not so very rigid.  If it is impossible for you to meet a regulation, often times there are other things you can do to make it work.  Perhaps you may need extra exits in place of sprinklers or maybe you can use a different material.  If you don't know, just ask the Fire Guy.  It is their job to keep people safe, not to be your bully.  Think of them as your best friend.  You want them there if you have a problem.  If you want to avoid the fire department completely, build your haunt in a cave because as the Fire Commissioner stated at FFBC, we didn't have house fires back when we all lived in caves.  With the creation of the wheel we accepted responsibility so be responsible.

Don't let the scariest thing during your haunt be the site of a crisply uniformed fire inspector approach you door, clipboard in hand.  He should be with his family the next time you see him approach.

Happy haunting and please do all you can do to be safe this Halloween.

     Dyanna.......