The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are working together across the state to inspect haunted houses before visitors are welcomed inside. All haunted houses are required to be inspected by OSFM prior to operation, though haunted houses operated by not-for-profit religious, educational, or charitable organizations can apply for an exemption from IDOL inspection. Two tragic fires in the 1970s and 1980s at haunted houses led to closer scrutiny of haunted house safety. Most haunted houses in Illinois today are required to have smoke detectors and be protected by automatic sprinkler systems. The rules of the State Fire Marshal’s office serve as the minimum requirements that must be met, with local fire and building departments possibly imposing more stringent requirements. The State Fire Marshal’s office looks for the following during an inspection:
• Exits and pathways must be wide enough to account for the maximum number of people in the amusement,
• Limited number of dead-end paths,
• Provision of panic hardware on exit doors,
• Restrictions on open flame devices or pyrotechnic special effects, Furnishings and decorations are required to be flame resistant,
• All workers must be trained and prepared for actions to be taken during emergencies.
If you believe you visited a haunted house that didn’t have a permit, or need to report an accident or unsafe conditions, call IDOL during business hours at (217) 557-3112 or after hours at (217) 993-2941 or file a complaint online.
