Are Escape Rooms Dangerous?
I’m a manager at an escape room and I get asked these questions often. Are escape rooms dangerous? Am I actually locked inside? What happens if I need to leave? Why do I have to sign a waiver to enter the escape room? Are they going to kill me?
Escape rooms are meant to be a fun, exciting, and challenging experience for all who enter. Escape rooms are not dangerous and they are not going to kill you. There are cameras and alternate exits made in case of emergencies. To ensure the safety of the players there will be certain safety and security protocols to be aware of. Especially, before going to your first escape room.
Do Escape Rooms Lock You Inside?
Escape rooms will not and cannot fully lock you inside a room without an immediate safety “escape” route for safety reasons. For example, in the case of a fire, there must be an alternative means to leave the room. Most escape rooms leave at least one exit door unlocked at all times. So you should be able to leave at any time. Regardless of the reason.
Not all escape rooms are the same. Escape room facilitators will go over all the rules and safety protocols before starting the escape room. Make sure to listen to your escape room facilitator so you know where and how to exit the escape room in case you need to.
Most countries or states have fire safety protocols in place that Escape Rooms must abide by to ensure the safety of all their customers. If an escape room is locking, you inside with no way out; then they are breaking safety regulations and that could result in a lawsuit or termination of their business license.
What if I need to leave the Escape Room?
As mentioned above, make sure you listen to your escape room facilitator so you know how to leave their specific escape room. There will always be a way out; it’s really just a matter of where and how they have their room set up.
The most common way escape rooms handle safety is to simply leave at least one exit door, unlocked, so you can just simply leave whenever you need to. Some escape rooms use magnetic locks to lock you in. However, they must have a way for players inside to open it. There will usually be a button or switch somewhere close to the door.
Why do Escape Rooms Have Waivers?
Escape rooms have waivers so they can’t be held liable for what happens inside the room. This may sound unsettling, but there is nothing to worry about. If you and your group follow the rules and protocols given by the escape room facilitator; then you will be fine.
The waiver is in place for those who break the rules or engage in dangerous behavior. I have worked in an escape room for years and you would not believe some of the things people try. I once saw a man jam a screwdriver inside of an electrical outlet while his kids watched. Yeah, don’t do that. That should go without saying. Be creative but don’t get too creative to the point it becomes dangerous.
Conclusion: Do Not Fear Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are meant to be a fun, exciting, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Make sure to listen to the rules and protocols given to you by the escape room facilitator and you will be in no danger. Follow common sense and don’t attempt anything that is clearly dangerous. (Like the screwdriver in the electrical socket guy). Now get out there and go try out an escape room near you.
