Haunted Houses

The NYS Fire Code, enforced by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, has very strict codes for haunted houses. Under these codes, it is very difficult for students to meet the requirements.

Code issues include:

  • The visibility of exits, exit signs, and the path to the exit – must be visible and clear of obstructions.
  • Leaves and corn stalks must be made flame retardant and are not allowed inside the house. Plastic wall dividers cannot be used.
  • Extension cords and power cords must be secured, ramped, and in good working order. They must be properly grounded.
  • Tour guides (safeties) must be positioned inside the house to assist in emergencies. They must be trained in emergency procedures.
  • Lighting may be dimmed but not turned off. Nothing can be placed on light fictures or bulbs to mask them.
  • No open flames allowed. No candles.
  • Extinguishers must be available within 30 feet.
  • Theatrical smoke or dry ice effects are not allowed without permission from EH&S. Smoke will trip the fire alarm system.
  • Emergency alarm pull stations must not be blocked.
  • Emergency strobes must not be obscured from view.

Students will be held accountable for any damage to campus buildings and are responsible for clean up.

Events must be approved in advance by Campus Activities. (7-2811)

Alternatives to a haunted house:

Ghost Walk

  • Outdoors: Create a safe walk with scares and activities. Use walkways and trails with fun stations throughout the route.
  • No open flames – flash lights and glow sticks are a safe alternative.

Campfire and Scary stories

  • Reserve a campfire ring for your event.You must apply for a campfire permit from Environmental Health and Safety.
  • Invite participants to wear a costume.
  • Include fun activities and scary stories.

Themed dance

  • DJ or Live Band; CD players – have funwith music.
  • Include: Halloween characters in costume; activities; snacks.

Off-Campus Events

  • Check local listings for hayrides,haunted houses, Boo at the Zoo,themed nature walks, and other events.
  • Consider offering to volunteer at local Halloween events.
  • Provide craft tables; face painting; games; etc at a charitable event.

Halloween Safety Tips

Pedestrians and Traffic:

  • Use sidewalks. Do not walk in roadways.
  • Carry a flash light, glow stick, or use reflective tape. Be seen.
  • Motorists should slow down and be aware of an increase in foot traffic.

Costumes:

  • Should be flame resistant.
  • Should not reduce your ability to see and hear.
  • If a costume ignites remember to smother flames using: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Decorations:

Note: Do not decorate in corridors or sleeping areas. Decorate using the following rules and those found in the safety check flier “Safe Decorating”

  • Use glow sticks; battery operated candles; and flash lights. Do not use open flames.
  • Dried flowers, cornstalks, hay/straw, sawdust, crepe paper, etc, are highly combustible (easily burned). Keep them away from heaters, light bulbs, and other heat sources.
  • Never hang combustible decorations from ceilings.
  • Decorations are not allowed in corridors. A corridor is part of the emergency exiting system and cannot beused for anything other than pedestrian traffic.

Useful Phone Numbers

Campus Activities………7-2811


Campus Emergency Phone Numbers

Fire………………………………911

Police……………………………911

Police …. (non-campus phone) 777-2393

Ambulance……………………..911

Note: Always check with building administrators and space managers before planning an event.

Contact Environmental Health and Safety for guidance on safety issues

Binghamton University

Environmental Health and Safety

PO Box 6000

Binghamton, NY13902

Phone (607) 777-2211

Stay Safe

Safety Check

Halloween

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

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