10/23/12 As Halloween approaches, the Indiana State Fire Marshal is reminding Hoosiers to keep safety in mind when visiting haunted houses and enjoying other spooky activities.

“Haunted houses are supposed to be scary, but the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to working with haunted house owners and operators to keep these venues safe, compliant with state laws and open to the public,” said Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is a division of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Haunted house certificate of compliance

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office inspects all haunted houses in Indiana and issues certificates of compliance.

This certificate signifies that the haunted house is authorized to operate, and that the facility has been inspected by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office to ensure compliance with all Indiana fire and building codes.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office can be reached at 317.232.2222.

Haunted house owners or operators who have questions about fire and building codes are also encouraged to contact the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office at 317.232.2222.

 “The public is one of our most important partners in safety,” says Greeson. “Hoosiers are asked to call the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office immediately if they become aware of a haunted house operating without a certificate of compliance.”

Tips for staying safe at haunted houses:

Visiting a haunted house

  • Only visit haunted houses that appear to be run in a neat, orderly fashion and that are not overcrowded.
  • Ask to see the state issued certificate of compliance before entering a haunted house.
  • If the house operators cannot produce a certificate of compliance, leave the facility and contact the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office at 317.232.2222.

Inside a haunted house

  • Always refrain from smoking inside a haunted house.
  • While inside a haunted house you should always be able to see exit signs or other markers indicating the way out. Exit pathways should also be free from obstructions.
  • Watch for extension cords, open wiring, overloaded outlets or any other suspicious looking electrical issues.
  • There should be no open flame devices or temporary heaters used in the building.
  • Speak with a haunted house operator or contact the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office if you have concerns about electrical wiring or the use of open flames.