Assessing the Seasonal Risks of Halloween Attractions
As an underwriter, you might squirm at the thought of covering a farm-turned-Halloween attraction, or a manufacturing facility transformed into a haunted house. The risk can be as daunting for the owners of these properties. Does their current insurance policy cover the risks associated with seasonal Halloween activities?
Here are some things to consider during a discussion between an agent and property owner on this topic:
- Are there management practices in place to cover the activities occurring as part of the attraction? These practices can help minimize unexpected and unanticipated actions, which often lead to accidents or injuries.
- Does the current insurance program provide coverage for risks that are part of the attraction, such as a backfired slingshot meant to pitch pumpkins at targets or a fall from a hayride?
- Is the equipment being used in good working order and operated in a safe manner?
- Is there a vendor providing services at the event whose employees are covered under the vendor policy, or are the attraction participants volunteers, meaning they would be covered under the property owner’s policy?
- Is there a prohibition for any physical contact between event participants, such as a boogeyman and customers?
- Are detailed loss control measures in place, such as fire marshal inspections, appropriate lighting, medical contraindication signage, etc.?
- Is the attraction on a single floor and lit well enough to minimize slip and falls, even when a zombie jumps out to scare the guests?
- Is there a petting zoo on site? If so, are sufficient hand-washing stations available so children can keep hands clean and avoid infection? Is appropriate signage available that explains the risk?
Haunted Houses and Fire Risk
Let’s take a more detailed look at a haunted house. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Building Code (IBC) have specific requirements for classifying and protecting haunted houses with appropriate fire safety systems. That’s because haunted houses generally use special scenery, props, audio and visual distractions that can make an egress less visible while having more combustible materials on site.
Haunted houses were added to the NFPA 101: Life Safety Code in 1988, which requires that all buildings used in this manner be equipped with:
- A fire alarm system.
- An automatic sprinkler system that is regularly inspected and maintained.
- A smoke detection system with an alarm that sounds in a specific area.
- An emergency voice communication system.
- Approved exit direction markings/signage for any buildings where the egress is not easily seen.
- Class A interior finishes.
Finally, reputable operators of haunted house attractions will have a permit from the local government, to indicate the attraction has been inspected by safety officials and complies with all of the NFPA requirements. The permit gives Visitors who enjoy the thrill of the dark and the unanticipated happenings of a haunted house, one less thing to worry about.
For more information on haunted house fire safety requirements, please visit the Quick Response Fire Supply website by clicking here.
