Many haunted houses use fog, dry ice and other frightening lighting to create an eerie environment, but such equipment must also be properly ventilated in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Have fun, scream when scared, but do not disrupt the experience for other guests or offend actors. And leave the machismo at home; acting tough towards actors will only make them more uncomfortable!
Don’t Run
Many haunted houses utilize various props to shock visitors. From simple tripping hazards to chandeliers that fall from the ceiling, haunted house guests who run through may quickly trip over these items and injure themselves.
Running events also give actors less time to prepare a scare for guests, which may prove frustrating for actors who have worked so hard at shocking them.
Water leaking from sprinklers or misters can also damage walls, leading to mold growth that poses a significant danger in haunted houses. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid such features altogether when decorating haunted houses; otherwise be prepared with plans for quick exit in case an emergency occurs.
Don’t Touch the Actors
Most haunted houses implement no touching policies to safeguard actors against injuries caused by customers reaching out and touching or grabbing at them, yet some people have an instinctual reaction that causes them to accidentally touch or hit actors on accident.
Touching actors not only causes them pain, but it can ruin the experience for other guests who may be in the room. To ensure guests don’t become surprised or disappointed by its policies, haunted houses must clearly set forth them beforehand so as to not surprise guests who visit and end up disappointed or angered.
As guests follow their group and stay on the marked path, it is also vital that they adhere to group directives. Deviating from this path could result in injuries caused by colliding into other guests, walls or props.
Don’t Smoke
Haunted houses are designed to stimulate all five senses, not simply provide entertainment value for visitors. Strobe lights, fog, extreme temperatures and chainsaw-wielding clowns will have you colliding with walls and other visitors at every turn – leaving no time for selfies!
As injuries at haunted houses can undermine business and result in liability claims, it is vitally important for staff to monitor and enforce a safe environment. Particularly important are walkways being free from trip and slip hazards while loose cords, mats and decorations deemed potentially flammable must be covered up or removed altogether.
Rooms filled with artificial fog require adequate ventilation in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and functioning smoke detectors are essential. Furthermore, guests should be informed of possible exit routes in case of fire; exposed nails could pose another potential hazard and should be covered or removed immediately.
Don’t Bring Flashlights
Bring flashlights into a haunted house at their own risk can ruin the experience for other visitors, making it more difficult for actors to scare guests while potentially becoming dangerous for themselves and other visitors.
Pointing at actors is highly distracting and may cause them to break character. Additionally, cursing or insulting them is inappropriate behavior that will get you kicked out without refund from a haunted house attraction.
At haunted houses, it’s best to wear dark-colored clothing so as to blend in and prevent actors from easily recognizing you. Additionally, bring along snacks or food before visiting so as to avoid becoming dehydrated during your experience.
Don’t Bring Alcohol
Be sure to arrive sober before entering a haunted house, since being impaired can ruin both your experience and that of its actors. Furthermore, being impaired could pose risks both to yourself and others.
When visiting a haunted house, it’s essential to move quickly through each scene and not linger too long on any particular one; otherwise, this gives actors less time to prepare a scare and could potentially hinder your experience.
Do not curse at or make inappropriate remarks towards the actors – it won’t make them any less frightening, and will only insult their hard work and ruin your experience! They deserve better; after all, they put in many hours into this job so you should enjoy yourself!
