The State Fire Marshal's Office is providing guidelines to help haunted house attractions in Louisiana open this Halloween season.
Under the latest proclamation from Gov. John Bel Edwards indoor amusements like haunted houses remain closed. That proclamation does however allow for amusements like haunted houses to submit a proposal to be given special permission to open.
The SFM says that haunted house operators can access details on how to submit these requests, as well as what type of considerations should be included in the proposals, on OpenSafely.la.gov in the document for “Other Amusements.”
A look at some of the considerations for Haunted Houses are below
- The guest capacity within any structure shall not exceed 25 at any one time, exclusive of staff.
- The maximum group size shall not exceed 6 related guests.
- The maximum occupant load including staff shall not exceed 50 people, or one person per 30 square feet of net useable floor area, whichever is less. The floor area used for displays or attractions shall be excluded from the net useable floor area for occupant capacity calculation.
- General admission shall be prohibited. Advanced ticket sales or reservations are encouraged.
- Haunted Houses shall also comply with the fire code and accessibility requirements
In addition, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) is reminding operators about the regular life safety and fire safety requirements deputies will be looking for when inspecting attractions for approved occupancy, if allowed to open.
For temporary “special amusement structures” and/or “Ghost Walks” (i.e. not operational for more than 30 days):
- A sketch of the facility, along with documentation and materials, emergency plans and equipment must be submitted to the SFM for review and approval prior to the use of the building or space as a temporary “Special Amusement” activity
- Interior finishes and decorations/props shall be flame-resistant • If the building operates in a reduced lighting environment, the building should contain an approved automatic smoke detection system that (a) will sound an alarm louder than the greatest ambient noise level (b) will sound at a constantly manned location where the attendant will be capable of turning on additional lighting for emergency evacuation
- Occupant load constantly controlled to no more than 25 occupants at any given time
- Fire department presence during all periods of activity OR ABC-type fire extinguishers in each room with a person trained in their proper use AND a garden hose connected to adequate water supply long enough to reach into every area of the structure • Exit and directional signage
- Artificial smoke is prohibited; dry ice is acceptable
- Accessible parking and an accessible route to the entrance of the attraction is required and should include stable, firm and slip-resistant walking surfaces.
For permanent “haunted house” or “special amusement” structures, projects must be submitted to the SFM for a full plan review prior to construction.
Visit lasfm.org for plan submittal instructions and requirements.
"If you’re planning to patron a haunted house attraction, we encourage you to develop an emergency meeting location with the group you are attending with and/or instruct children to locate uniformed personnel in the event they find themselves lost and without an emergency meeting location."
The SFM says it encourages reporting any concerning conditions at special amusement structures to 1-800-256- 5452 or filing a complaint through lasfm.org.
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