Video: Homeland Security inspects haunted houses, terrifies reporter

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It’s that time of year again: haunted houses are popping up across central Indiana. 

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security inspects every commercial haunted house in the state.

IDHS Code Enforcement Official Michelle Canoy walked through the House of Trepidation, which is located just south of downtown Indianapolis on Wednesday.

“All these materials will have to be flame retardant,” she said as she walked by the drapes stained with fake blood. 

Canoy makes sure the pathways are clear, the emergency lights are working and smoke alarms are in place. 

The spookiest thing to her would be a haunted house without an exit every 50 feet or a fire extinguisher every 75.

“They are good to go,” Canoy said. “House of Trepidation is ready for this year.” 

House of Trepidation President Ken Carter says employees study the layout and are trained on how to handle emergencies. The staff has seen a few power outages in their 27 years in the business. 

“Never been for an extended period of time but that’s when you’re really glad you bought those lights that have the battery backup,” Carter said. 

Carter said the team does a walk through every night before opening to make sure everything is safe. 

Canoy said when IDHS finds a violation, they give the haunted house 30 days to fix it. The houses cannot operate until they pass the inspection and get their permit. 

Anyone who spots an issue at a haunted house can call IDHS at (317) 657-0471.