The host checks the route. Every time.

1. Never place a clue

• On, in or behind an appliance, heater, oven, hob, freezer, washing machine or electrical equipment.
• With medicines, cleaning products, tools, chemicals, alcohol, weapons, matches, batteries or choking hazards.
• On a road, active driveway, car park, vehicle, open water, balcony, roof, high shelf or climbing structure.
• In a locked, restricted, dark, unstable, unfinished or unsupervised space.
• Where participants must move furniture, venue property, sharp objects, breakables or another person’s belongings.
• Where pets, allergies, food contamination, trip hazards, crowds or weather create a risk.

2. Room-specific checks

Kitchen

Use only low, dry, external surfaces approved by the host. Keep away from food preparation, heat, glass, cutlery and every appliance.

Bathroom

Use dry, visible areas only. Keep away from water, medicines, razors, cleaning products, toilets and slippery surfaces. The door stays unlocked and an adult remains nearby.

Garage or basement

Use only a finished, lit, clean event area. Lock away tools, chemicals, machinery, vehicles and storage hazards. These checkpoints are for adult experiences only unless the host’s risk assessment makes the finished area suitable and directly supervised.

Bedroom and private rooms

Get permission, protect privacy and remove medicines, cords, valuables and unstable furniture. Never ask participants to open drawers, wardrobes or containers.

3. Outdoor and mixed routes

• Define and brief a clear boundary; use marshals where the full route is not visible.
• Keep the activity entirely separated from roads, vehicles, open water, steep drops, construction and unrestricted public access.
• Inspect surfaces, plants, gates, sports areas, weather, temperature and lighting immediately before play.
• Cancel, shorten or move indoors if weather, visibility, crowding or ground conditions become unsafe.
• Use only the safe side of gates and fences; never direct participants to leave the event boundary.

4. Age, access and inclusion

Adapt clue count, reading level, pace and supervision to the youngest or most vulnerable participant. Offer a non-physical alternative to every movement prompt. Keep routes step-free where needed and account for sensory, mobility, allergy and communication needs without asking participants to disclose more than necessary.

5. Before the start

1. Walk the complete route and inspect every exact hiding place.
2. Confirm permissions, boundaries, toilets, first aid, emergency exits and a charged phone.
3. Remove or replace any clue with a hazard, privacy concern or unsuitable instruction.
4. Brief participants: stay in bounds, do not run unless explicitly safe, do not climb or open containers, and ask the host for help.
5. Count participants and assign responsible adults or team marshals.
6. Sign the host checklist supplied in the package.

6. During play and emergencies

Supervise continuously, stop unsafe behaviour and pause immediately if a participant is missing, distressed or injured or if conditions change. In an emergency, stop the hunt, follow the venue’s emergency plan and contact local emergency services. The game never takes priority over safety.

7. Report a concern

Stop using any unsafe or unclear clue and email [email protected] with the product and wording. Do not include unnecessary child information.