Handcuffs, lock, and key on a bench

Do Escape Rooms Actually Lock You In? Debunking Common Fears

Posted on July 1, 2024
by Faith Neece
Escape rooms have become incredibly popular in recent years, offering a unique adventure for thrill-seekers and problem-solvers alike. However, some people are hesitant to try them due to common fears about being trapped or unsafe. If you're one of them, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll answer the question on everyone's minds: do escape rooms actually lock you in? We'll also address any concerns you may have about safety and anxiety.

Do escape rooms actually lock?
First off, let's address the biggest fear: being locked in and unable to get out. The truth is, escape rooms do not actually lock you in. Your safety is a top priority, so you have the option to leave the room at any time if necessary. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, you are free to step out of the room. At most escape rooms, including us at Breakout, you'll be given a briefing beforehand that includes emergency procedures and safety measures.

Are escape rooms safe?
But what about safety concerns? Are escape rooms actually safe? In short, yes. Escape rooms are mostly mental games with no need for excessive force or climbing on objects. You'll be given clues and puzzles to solve, not physical challenges that put you in danger. Of course, accidents can happen, but they're incredibly rare due to the meticulous planning and design that goes into each room. All of our escape room challenges are also monitored by employees via security cameras to ensure that everyone is safe and having a good time.

What about physical restraints?
Some escape rooms do use handcuffs. At Breakout, our rooms that include handcuffs are The Kidnapping, Hostage, and Wild West. While our handcuffs are real, they have special safety measures. They can be unhooked from their location. If an emergency arises, you can simply unhook your handcuffs and leave the area. Our game masters always have extra keys around for the handcuffs as well.
If you are uncomfortable with handcuffs but still want to play one of these games, we are happy to make arrangements for you to play without them. Call us ahead of time so we can work this out with you.

Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're hesitant about trying an escape room due to worries about being locked in or unsafe, we hope this blog post has put your mind at ease. Escape rooms do not actually lock you in, and safety is always a top priority. They're mostly mental games with minimal physical risk, and even if they have physical restraints, there are plenty of safety precautions in place. So, embrace the challenge, have fun, and rest assured you can leave at any time if you need to.

Ready to try an escape room? Visit our bookings page.