Watch the Weather
Weather has a significant impact on the operation of inflatables. Wind can be especially dangerous. When the wind blows at speeds of 20 or 25 miles per hour or more, suspend all use of a bounce house. If you don’t know what a 20 or 25-mile-hour wind feels like, wind at this speed would be causing a flag to flap energetically. Call your kids out of the structure if you notice a strong wind.
Observe the Operators
Careful operation is important with inflatables. For example, the structure must have strong ground anchors for optimal safety. Ground anchors made out of metal should be at least 30 to 40 inches in length. The system also requires ongoing supervision and monitoring by a trained attendant. This attendant must focus solely on the jumping activity occurring inside of the structure to ensure that the people using it are using it correctly.
Safety Rules and Supervision
Specific rules should be in place to ensure safety in the bounce house. For example, it is best for users of the same size to use the structure together. Avoid excessively rough play such as wrestling, chasing, and flipping. Do not pile on top of others while playing. The structure should also indicate the maximum number of users that can bounce together at the same time. Exceeding this number would result in unsafe conditions. Avoid jumping against the sides or walls of the inflatable. If a slide is present, only one person should slide at a time. The correct way to slide is always feet first. Sliding head-first could result in a serious injury. Never play near the entrance or exit to avoid injury. For additional safety, parents should supervise their children while they jump.
Additional Rules
In addition to safety precautions, follow other rules of use, too. Always remove all sharp or pointed objects from your pockets. Remove jewelry, glasses, and shoes before entering. Leave your socks on for cleanliness. Do not take food, drinks, or gum into the structure.
Explore Insurance and Inspections
Every state is in charge of the inspections that must occur with bounce houses. Some states have exceptionally thorough programs, and others have virtually no program in place. Question the owner to learn about state policies in effect regarding inspections and insurance. As you explore state regulations, consider also exploring the reputation of any specific company to ensure that issues do not exist between the company and the public. Make sure any company is correctly insured against liability and injury for public use.