Want to enjoy an escape room adventure with your loved ones but a little worried about how safe the experience is?
All that talk of being “locked” in a room from which you have to “escape” within 60 minutes holding you back from booking a game?
Looking for clarity on specific doubts, such as what measures are taken by escape rooms to ensure a secure experience for you?
Then this is the blog post you’re looking for!
Allow Escape2Win Escape Rooms in Virginia Beach to tell you why you don’t need to worry about safety in escape rooms and what makes these games one of the most secure group activities out there!
Escape rooms 101 (for newbies, to make sure we’re on the same page)
If you’re new to the world of escape rooms, here’s a quick rundown: participants are “locked” (not really, as we shall soon see) in a specially designed and themed room and must solve a series of puzzles and riddles to “escape” within a set time limit.
The immersive and interactive nature of these games – which encourages teamwork and critical thinking – is what makes them so wildly popular.
Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s dive into some common safety concerns.
Common safety concerns in escape room experiences
To begin with, we’ll take a look at some of the common safety concerns expressed by new players and see why you don’t need to worry.
- Physical injuries: Can players fall or trip over while exploring the room, especially if the space is cluttered or if the lighting is poor?
- The room is designed to avoid such possibilities.
- Besides, one of the key aspects of the game is remaining alert and observing your surroundings. That implicitly makes players careful about where they’re stepping.
- Panic attacks or anxiety: Can the high-pressure environment trigger anxiety or panic attacks?
- If you feel anxious, just ask the game master for help. They’ll give you whatever assistance you need, including pausing the game so you can take a moment or even step outside.
- If you are prone to anxiety or panic attacks, choose a game with non-scary and cheerful themes. For example, among Escape2Win’s escape games, Scene of the Crime, Lunar Lockdown, and The Explorers’ Club have non-scary themes.
- Claustrophobia: Could parts of the game featuring small, confined spaces cause discomfort or fear for those with claustrophobia?
- If you have claustrophobia, please read the game descriptions and FAQs thoroughly. They will include clear disclosures about claustrophobic risks, if any.
- And you can ask the game master for help if you feel uncomfortable during the game.
- Electrical hazards: Could players accidentally touch electrical sockets, leading to injuries? What about damaged electrical equipment or wiring?
- As we shall see, your game master will monitor your progress throughout the game and will warn you if you’re in danger of touching electrical sockets or anything else.
- As far as damaged equipment and wiring are concerned, as we shall soon see, escape rooms have to undertake regular maintenance and safety checks.
- Fire hazards: Can improperly-maintained props or faulty wiring pose fire risks?
- Just like with electrical hazards, regular maintenance and safety checks rule out that possibility.
In summary, escape rooms undergo regular safety checks to ensure there aren’t any safety issues like faulty wiring or damaged equipment.
Moreover, the game master will monitor you the entire time you’re inside the room and will warn and guide you if you’re in any danger at all.
Finally, if you have issues like anxiety or claustrophobia, please choose your adventure accordingly after carefully going through the game descriptions and FAQs. Contact the escape room to clarify doubts before deciding to book.
Safety regulations that escape rooms follow
A rigorous safety compliance regime keeps risks at bay.
Participant safety is a top priority which is why escape rooms adhere to a number of regulations and guidelines designed to protect participants.
These cover everything from building codes and fire safety to emergency protocols and staff training.
- Building codes and zoning regulations: Escape rooms must comply with local building codes and zoning regulations, ensuring that the facilities are structurally sound and properly maintained.
- Fire safety: From installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to ensuring that emergency exits remain unobstructed and easily accessible at all times, there are a number of fire safety rules that escape attractions have to follow.
- Electrical safety: Electrical systems and equipment must meet national and local electrical codes to prevent hazards like electrical fires or shocks.
- Emergency protocols: Escape rooms should have clearly defined emergency protocols in place, including evacuation plans and panic buttons or emergency communication devices. The staff should be trained in basic first aid and CPR.
What players can do to have a safe escape experience
You can team up with your close family members and friends for a killer outing!
Here are a few steps players can take to have a safe and enjoyable outing.
- Research the room: Go through reviews on escaperoom.com, worldofescapes, and also on TripAdvisor and Google, and see whether past players report any issues.
- Talk with the room: Get in touch with the escape room and ask them to clarify your doubts and questions.
- Choose your team wisely: Especially if it’s your first time, have folks on your team who you’re close with and can tell about feeling anxious or panicky.
- It might help to have someone on your team who has played before, as they can vouch for the safety of the game.
- Ask for help in time: If you feel unwell or uncomfortable, ask the game master for help immediately. Don’t try to brazen it out.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Go for a loose and comfy outfit in which you can move around easily and which won’t get caught on anything.
Frequently asked questions about escape room safety
From whether escaper you’re actually locked inside the room or not, to whether escape rooms have panic buttons – here are the safety FAQs!
What are the most common safety concerns in an escape room?
The most common safety concerns in escape are:
- Physical injuries: Tripping, falling, or bumping into objects can occur in the heat of the moment.
- Panic attacks or anxiety: High-stress situations can trigger these reactions.
- Claustrophobia: Small, enclosed spaces may be uncomfortable for some.
- Fire hazards: While rare, it’s essential to be aware of potential fire risks.
- Electrical hazards: Loose wires or malfunctioning equipment can pose risks.
While that looks and sounds serious, you should know that escape rooms have proven to be one of the safest group experiences and activities out there!
Accidents are rare, to begin with, and among the ones that happen, very few require serious medical attention.
As long as you listen to the game master, you have near-zero risks of injury or harm.
You bet!
Most escape rooms have panic buttons or emergency communication devices to ensure your safety.
If you feel overwhelmed or need help, just tell the game master or press the button, and a staff member will come to your aid.
Do escape rooms lock you in, and are the doors locked?
No need to worry, my friend!
Escape rooms are designed for fun, not to lock you in.
The doors typically remain unlocked, and emergency exits are clearly marked and accessible.
Safety is the name of the game!
Are escape rooms monitored by staff?
Absolutely! Staff members – especially your game master – keep a watchful eye on the gameplay through cameras or observation windows.
They’re ready to jump in and help if needed. Rest assured, you’re in good hands.
Are escape rooms suitable for people with claustrophobia?
Great question! While some escape rooms may have tight spaces, many offer spacious, open environments to cater to various comfort levels.
If you’re concerned, feel free to chat with the staff beforehand – they can guide you to the best option for your needs.
Don’t let claustrophobia hold you back from a thrilling experience!
Should you worry about escape room safety – key takeaways
In summary, escape rooms are one of the safest group activities you can take part in!
First-timers may have a few concerns ranging from tripping over and panic attacks to electrical and fire hazards.
However, as we have seen, the chances of any serious injury are remote as the experience is designed with participant safety in mind, and the game master will monitor you throughout your time inside.
Also, escape rooms have to follow numerous regulations, from building codes ensuring that the facilities are structurally sound to regular maintenance and safety checks.
Finally, if you feel any discomfort or uneasiness inside the room, tell your game master immediately, and they will help you out.
Check it out for yourself!
While we’ve covered all the relevant angles in this blog post, the best way to realize the truth about safety in escape rooms – that there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of – is to take part in one yourself.
So, assemble your team, choose an escape room adventure you all will like taking part in, and book a game!
Do get back to us about how you found the experience to be – completely safe, or otherwise?
