Are Escape Rooms Safe?

The first time you visit an escape room facility, you may ask yourself—is this experience going to be safe? Will I have to face anything unexpected or dangerous? 

While the escape room industry has exploded in popularity over the past several years, a lot of people avoid them out of fear. They worry that something might happen; they may be trapped inside or injured in the experience.

Fortunately, modern escape games are designed to offer visitors a fun and thrilling time while ensuring everyone stays completely unharmed. Even those who suffer from fear or anxiety can usually have a great time without any adverse effects.

We understand why you may be worried. Maybe you filled out the waiver and some of the language made you nervous—or maybe you’re just worried about your first escape room experience! When operated properly, these experiences are completely safe. Read on to learn how escape room businesses keep both participants and staff secure.

Are Escape Rooms Dangerous?

After arriving at our escape room center in Los Angeles and filling in the paperwork, you walk into a dimly lit room. You know there’s a switch somewhere you need to hit to open the door across the room—but the path from you to the switch is filled with obstacles and puzzles. Plus, you have a haunting feeling that someone—or something—is watching you from the shadows! Your heart rate picks up, you start to sweat, an adrenaline rush takes over your body… and all this before you’ve even solved the first puzzle.

These games may be thrilling, but are they dangerous? The short answer is NO!

Our rooms are completely safe. You may feel frightened or scared when you step into the space, but it’s critical to remember that it is all fabricated. Escape room owners do not put participants in real life-threatening danger—they just make the moment FEEL intense. The thrill of the moment makes solving the puzzles or completing the experience even more rewarding.

People may occasionally get caught up in the moment and do things to hurt themselves or their group members. Even then, the worst we usually see is a bruise or scrape. The main thing that is likely to get hurt is your ego when the timer runs out!

Popular Questions about Escape Room Safety

The following are some of the most common questions and safety concerns we field often about the unique experiences at Quest Room—the answers might surprise you!

Will I Be Locked In?

“Am I locked in once I enter?” Yes. Most game masters (those who run the game) will lock the doors to prevent any cheating. However, you are never truly “trapped” or in danger, as all games have exits that can open at any time if needed.

You can always press an emergency exit button to get you out immediately should an emergency occur and you need to exit. However, this will usually end the game for everyone—so make sure you are truly in an emergency situation before opting for the emergency exit!

I’m Afraid of Small Spaces! What Happens if I Get Claustrophobic?

Claustrophobia (the fear of being trapped in a small space) is a real and very common fear. Tell the game master immediately if you feel uncomfortable. Most escape rooms are large enough for everyone to move around freely. If you get claustrophobic, there’s usually no need to worry.

Depending on the scenario chosen, you may find that the situation triggers claustrophobia. However, this only occurs in the most severe cases. Only one person usually needs to enter a claustrophobic space if the game includes it, but some have smaller spots. It's best to call ahead and ask if any of the games have a space that may trigger you.

Prepare ahead of time if you fear getting trapped in a small space. Make an emergency plan and communicate with your team before entering. Remember to stay calm and be aware of your surroundings. Escaping may seem daunting, but you can easily overcome any fears or anxieties with the right preparation and knowledge. 

We also recommend confirming before booking whether the room you are interested in has spaces large enough to not trigger you, or, if it has tighter spaces than you are comfortable with, whether everyone needs to go into them.

Will I Be Tied Up Or Restrained?

You may be restrained with handcuffs or ropes depending on the scenario chosen. Some rooms require all of the players to be handcuffed together. If you feel uncomfortable with this, let your team know beforehand. Some more intense rooms will use hoods to confuse or blindfold players. Again, you may want to choose a scenario that is more suited to your needs if this doesn’t sound like a good escape room experience for you.

Note: At Quest Room, any rooms that involve handcuffs or other restraints will come with a full safety explanation and protection to ensure everyone is safe. We always check to make sure you are okay with this before putting you into restraints.

Will the Actors Touch Me?

Live actors add a unique touch, but that doesn't mean they need to physically interact with you. Actors are instructed not to touch the players during their escape experience unless it's explicitly stated in the description.

Our only experience where the actors will touch you without warning is Project Minotaur at our Hollywood, LA location. Even if an actor touches you, it is never intended to hurt and may be firm but not aggressive. You can always speak up if you feel that the actors are violating your personal space. We want you to be comfortable during the experience and will address any concerns immediately.

Can I Get Injured while Playing?

Sometimes things happen, and not all factors can be controlled. If someone gets hurt, it is typically very minor and always accidental.

The action is choreographed in such a way that if you need to do something that carries risk (such as climbing or taking a step up onto something) it is clear there is no risk to you and you should take your time. There is no more risk than everyday life presents. You may run into a wall or slip, just like you can do anywhere. You should take the same precautions in the game as you would in everyday life!

What if Someone Gets Ill?

Some players can become ill while in the middle of a game. If someone feels unwell, declare it out loud and your game master will help. We will ask if you wish to end the game or try to adapt it to help whoever feels unwell. If they need to leave the room, we will do our best to get whatever they need.

Security Measures at Quest Room 

We take extra precautions to add an extra layer of security for all our guests. You will have more fun experiencing and exploring the unique scenario you find yourself in when you feel comfortable! Here are some of the ways we keep you safe:

Cameras

Escape rooms at Quest Room all have cameras and your game master will advise you to stop if they see you doing something unsafe. These not only protect you but give the game master a chance to monitor your progress throughout.

Audio Systems

Each game also includes audio systems that allow the game master to communicate with you as you proceed through each space. The game master can hear you and speak to you at all times. You can always yell for help, and they will answer you so that you feel safe.

Emergency Systems

We have emergency exit buttons in all of our rooms and the game master will explain what they look like during the rules. These buttons are easily visible and are in place so that you can leave the room safely if needed at any time. This is our commitment to your safety, and we take it seriously.

Fire Extinguishers

All of our escape rooms have fire extinguishers and other life safety protection devices such as smoke detectors to keep you safe in the unlikely event of fires or other life safety hazards. We also prohibit taking items such as matches, lighters, and vape pens into our escape rooms to minimize the likelihood of such a situation occurring.

Rule Briefings

Before every experience, we review our escape room rules, brief you on what to expect and what specific triggers may be present in the room, and make sure you understand what you can and cannot do. It’s essential to pay close attention to all of the information given during this briefing to prepare you for what is to come.

Optimal Number of Players

We have strict capacity limits listed on our games. These capacities include a mandatory adult (someone 18 or older) to always be present in the room. If you are looking at booking an escape room party for a larger group, it may be best to split up into smaller groups to maximize your gameplay experience.

You Will Be Safe. We'll Take Care Of Everything!

Are escape rooms safe? Absolutely—and they offer a unique and unforgettable way to bond with family, friends, or coworkers. Our escape room operators want to make sure you have an amazing time while also keeping it safe for everyone involved. We will monitor your progress and provide help if needed, but we can’t guarantee success—that’s up to you!

Want to schedule a safe yet thrilling experience at Quest Room? Visit us online to see all of our current escape room experiences, and book your adventure today! You can also call us at your nearest Quest Room location or email any questions to our team at: [email protected].