Thread: Why are haunts put through so much code??

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I've been hearing that having a pro haunt is bad business because you are hit with tons and tons of fire and building codes. I believe this is true..but my question is this...why does it seem like when ever you mention haunted attraction..they take out this HUGE HUGE safety and code book. I have seen plenty of arcade places that have batting cages, go-carts and amusement rides and are encouraged by the town to build and do business. That is my limited experience in new england. But I have traveled all across the country...and find lots of these types of places..and I can't believe how really unsafe some of them really are. why the fine tooth comb when you say the word "haunt"?? Am I off base here? just wondering. Any fire marshals or council people want to comment? And don't get me started on the insurance...

I would say Six Flags ( thier Haunt burnt down & killed a peron or two ) years ago. That's when I think it went Ape Sh** on codes & Batting cages & go-carts aren't used in Pitch Black
confined areas.

When you enter a batting cage (or similar venue) you automatically assume a risk. This means if you're hurt, you can't press charges (unless it was because of the venue's negligence). When you enter a haunt, nobody expects any injuries, so you have to be extra careful to make sure nothing bad happens.

Also, haunts are often enclosed, dark areas and have moving things close to audience, strobes, fog, and b/c of their nature, cause stress. Also, actors can make mistakes and hurt someone. You can never be too careful.

It's not just haunted houses...Build a new house and tell me how many codes you have to meet before you can call the home complete....It's about the day and age that we live in now, it has slowly got to where we are, changing more and more each year....Everything has become a way to make money no matter what it is you want to do...For example, When I bought an ATV I had to pay MY state tax on it even though I bought it in another state....Then I had to register it which requires a metal liscense plate on the back and a registration fee every 2 years for a little sticker to put on the plate (like your regular vehicle plate)....They also require insurance....The government has their hand in EVERYTHING so it doesn't matter what you want to do...Your going to pay them for the luxury of doing it....Welcome to America...Land of the free as long as you got $$$$.....

That's just one piece of the pie though
Another part of the puzzle is- EVERYBODY WANTS TO SUE
Insurance companies are watching their backs by having the government put "codes" into place so it's at least safe for you to get from point A to B in a haunt without a broken arm, nail in the hand, electrocuted, and fire free....

We just have to face the fact that life is not simple anymore....Everything has changed and it's complicated now....

Think about being in the middle of a haunted house... it's dark, it's foggy, it's set up like a maze and you have no idea how to get out because it's designed to confuse you... and the building catches fire. It's a dangerous setup to begin with and fire marshals want to be certain people will get out alive, so you have to take every precaution possible. Being from New England surely you know about the huge loss of life at The Station nightclub in RI in 2003 - 100 people were killed because they all rushed for the doors and couldn't get out. And that wasn't even set up to confuse and confound people. I heard a lot of haunts complain about regulations really piling up after that fire.

This is the first of a 5 part youtube series on the six flags NJ haunted castle fire story. It's low res, so try and hang in there. Have some coffee and watch all five parts if you can. I just stubled across this last month. I remember this well, and I believe this is the incident that really started serious regulation in the haunt industry. Or at least, serious enforcement of the codes already in place at the time, from then on. There have been other terrible incidents along the way, including the one that Nancy mentions. That one REALLY piled on even more regulations on my industry, pyrotechnics, after that. Catistrophic problems must be avoided. It's the nature of the business.

Again, this is low res but very interesting.



Dan

It all boils down to that mighty dollar! There is much red tape involved and a great amount or mountains you must climb. I have checked all my local codes and requirements with all can be reached, but at a price! They make it so hard for us that have the true passion and joy being dedicated in the haunted industry. I use this little phrase FICA which I will never forget. Just as important to everyday life that good old Social Security TAX phrase is, it is equally important to Pro-haunters. See below:

Fire Safety Compliance
Insurance Compliance
City & County Code Compliance
Asset Protection(security & surveillance)

This is the key things one needs before opening that first door to the public. I am still hoping to open a pro-haunt one day but I have many bridges to cross before jumping into it. Best of luck to all everybody taking on such adventures!