Safety Measures for Halloween Haunted Houses and Carnivals

Halloween season is a fun time of the year, yet it is also when life-safety issues surrounding the public become a concern. The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System wants to take this opportunity to remind all nonprofit organizations, merchants, and school personnel of their responsibility to ensure the safety of their patrons during the operation of activities and events like haunted houses and carnivals.
 
Over the years, as haunted houses, corn mazes and similar structures and environments have become popular attractions, the potential for significant fire and safety hazards has increased nationwide. To avoid similar occurrences, please observe the following precautions and regulations in preparing your haunted house or carnival:

1.    Highly flammable materials such as cotton batting, straw, dried plant material, certain plastics, etc. shall not be used for decorations or construction.
2.    Avoid the use of combustible materials in displays. If used, combustibles must be treated with an approved commercial flame-retardant treatment. Samples of all such materials must be submitted or certified for NFPA 701 (measuring fabric flammability) or ASTM E-84 (flame spread or surface characteristics) flame tests prior to use.
3.    Extension cords, multiplug adapters, and unfused plug strips are not permitted. Only circuit breaker strips or code-approved wiring is permitted.
4.    Depending on where the activity is located, approval from the Zoning Division of the Planning Office through a Temporary Activities Permit (TAP) review process may be required (703-792-7615).
5.    If any walls, partitions or raised flooring are to be constructed, approval by the Building Official will be required (703-792-6930). The Building Department is part of the TAP review process.
6.    Call the Fire Marshal’s Office for an inspection at least 48 hours prior to opening your display to the public (703-792-6360). This can be arranged as part of the TAP process.
7.    Maintain all exits in a clear and useable condition.
8.    Know the location of the nearest fire extinguishers and how to use them.
9.    Know the location of the nearest alarm box.
10.    Make sure you have access to a phone to call the fire department and that everyone knows the emergency number 9-1-1.
11.    Develop an Emergency Evacuation and Fire Safety Plan. This is a plan document that is part of the TAP application packet.

An application process is required for haunted houses and carnivals. Please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-792-6360 for further direction or visit Fire Safety and Haunted House – Special Amusement Building.

Acting Chief James Forgo of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System states “Our mission is to keep the community, residents and visitors safe. When following the precautions and regulations previously listed, we’re confident you’ll have a safe and happy Halloween.”