Inspectors haunt haunted houses - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Entering Necropolis Friday night one haunted house fan said, "it's a big place they should know what they're doing. I don't even worry about it. I'm sure it's safe."

You can't assume all haunted house are safe. Necropolis passed its state Fire Marshals safety inspection with flying colors, but some fly-by-night operators do crop up.

By law the Fire Marshals must inspect every haunted house. Inspectors expect to check 75 this season.

Inspector Marc Reynolds says, "there's a test button and we're going to test and make sure the emergency lights come on."

The lights did come on. He also found fire extinguishers every 75 feet as required, and lighted exits every 50 feet. The smoke detectors were hard-wired and all tied together so when one sounds, they all go off. That's the rule.

In addition, loud sound effects have to switch off so smoke alarms can be heard.

"Emergency evacuation. This is not a drill" Pre-recorded announcements are not required by law, but Necropolis has them as a precaution.

If there is to be an evacuation the law says the haunted house must have a written plan and workers must be trained to help in evacuations.

"If it was an emergency," says owner Steve Walls, "we'll literally grab their arm then get them going in the right direction."

Of all the questions State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson asks, some of the most important when it comes to evacuations are if the pathways through the haunted house are wide enough, if they are cluttered, and if there combustibles in the way.

Safe houses have no open flame or extension cords or space heaters.

"I have faith in my local government they're taking care of this," says one haunted house-goer.

If you have any doubts about your haunted house, ask to see their state permit as it should be displayed.

If you see potential problems at a place you visit call the Fire Marshal Tip Line at 317-232-2222.