Now that Halloween is nearly here, many families will be visiting 'haunted houses' and frightful attractions. When choosing which haunted house to go through, make sure the place has been inspected and approved by the Fire Department.

Permitted haunted houses must have working sprinklers and trained personnel who can help with sudden evacuations. If a fire occurs, all the sound should turn off and all the lights will turn on and all the actors become rescuers as they open all emergency exits and guide everyone outside safely.

Sure, the kids are only thinking they want the scariest place, but as parents, insist on scary but safe! Some of the most common violations to look for in a haunted house include: emergency exits are blocked, exit signs are not properly marked, combustible decorations and fabrics are not treated with fire retardant. Careful Halloween fun can be chilling but it should also mean safety first. Once a tragedy occurs, it's too late. Have fun, be scared and stay safe!

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