Bounce House Safety: A Setup Guide to Keep the Fun Going

Bounce houses are the life of the party, whether it’s a child’s birthday party, a wedding, or a commercial event. While these inflatable wonders promise hours of fun, ensuring safety is the key to keep the fun rolling. Let’s dive into some crucial and practical safety precautions that will help you ensure your bounce house is set up in the correct and certified way.

1. Choose the Right Location

The first step to a safe bounce house experience is picking the perfect spot. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Flat Surface: Make sure the ground is level to prevent tilting or wobbling.
• Clear Area: Avoid placing the bounce house near trees, fences, or overhead power lines.
• Soft Ground: Grass is ideal, as it provides a natural cushion. If you’re on concrete, use heavy-duty mats around the entrance.

2. Secure the Bounce House

Keeping the bounce house anchored is crucial for stability. Here’s how:

• • Stake It Down: Use sturdy stakes to secure the bounce house to the ground. Check that the stakes are driven deep enough to hold firm.

• Place weights on Hard Surfaces: Using bounce house rated weights that are 40 lbs each helps to secure bounce houses that are not on the grass. These weights keep the bounce house anchored to the ground to prevent slipping or tipping over. 

3. Weather Watch

Mother Nature plays a big role in bounce house safety:

• Wind: Never set up a bounce house in winds exceeding 15 mph. Strong gusts can tip over the bounce house with occupants inside, which may cause injury. 
• Rain: Wet surfaces can be slippery and cause the users of the bounce houses to slip and injure themselves. Avoid setting up in rainy conditions or ensure the bounce house is thoroughly dried before use. Rain is also undesirable because it can interfere with the electronic systems on the air pump which can cause failure, leading to a malfunction. 
• Shade: If possible, place the bounce house in a shaded area to prevent the surface from getting too hot. Most bounce houses are equipped with the shaded roofs on the inside but rarely contain roofs for the outer step. When setting up on tarmac on a parking lot, for example, it is best to use tarps that will prevent the hot tarmac from injuring the users of the bounce house. 

4. Inspect Before Inflating

• Tubes and Zippers: Make sure all zippers and tubes are closed to ensure that the bounce house does not deflate on its own. 
• Tears or Holes: Double check that no new holes or tears in the seam have arisen due to excessive use. 
• Cleanliness: Give the inside of the bounce house a double take to ensure no dirt, debris, or trash is left from the previous rentals. Carrying a handheld battery charged vacuum is ideal in last minute cleaning when debris is found. 
• Air Blower Function: Ensure that the blower tube is properly connected to the machine and all other tubes/zippers are closed. When using an extension cord, it is best to wrap the cords of the blower and extension together to ensure that they do not come apart during use.

5. Set Ground Rules for Fun

Safety doesn’t stop at setup—establishing rules ensures everyone has a blast:

• Supervision: Always have an adult supervising the bounce house.
• Capacity Limits: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the number of participants and weight limits. A general rule of thumb is too 5 children per 100 ft of bounce house area
• No Shoes, No Sharp Objects: Make sure the users remove shoes, jewelry, and anything sharp before entering.
• Same-Size Jumpers: Keep similarly sized participants together to avoid accidental collisions and rough play

6. Plan for Emergencies

Preparation is key:

• First Aid Kit: Keep a basic first aid kit nearby.
• Quick Deflation: Familiarize yourself with the deflation process in case of an emergency.
• Emergency Contact: Have a phone handy to call for help if needed.

Wrapping Up

Setting up a bounce house safely doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can create an environment where fun and safety go hand in hand. So, grab those stakes, check the weather, and let the bouncing begin!

Remember, a safe bounce house is a happy bounce house—and happy kids (and parents) make for an unforgettable event!