Bounce houses and other interactive inflatables make for fun, safe activities for kids and adults alike, but as with anything else proper safety protocols are essential to avoid accidents and injuries.
When it comes to renting or using an inflatable, anchoring is an essential part of setting it up, so keep the following points in mind:
1. What You Weigh It Down With
As a basic rule, stakes are best for tying down an inflatable outdoors, while weights, specifically sandbags, are ideal for indoor uses.
For the outdoors, however, consider what you’ll use, as not every stake will do. Stakes must prevent the bounce house from falling over or blowing away, and a small plastic model just doesn’t have the power. Ideally, once of these should be able to hold down 100 to 1,000 pounds. Composition wise, heavy-duty steel stakes measuring 30 to 40 inches in length are the most dependable.
2. Setting It Up
Yet, just because you have the stakes, that doesn’t mean the inflatable is already safe. Instead, you need to consider these factors:
- A bounce house should never be set up on windy days, regardless of the type of stakes you have. Winds over 20 MPH have potential to tip over or blow away one of these structures.
- The professionals and parents supervising should both be aware of tie-down procedures, should an emergency occur.
- Before you add the stakes, make sure the inflatable is on flat ground that’s free of debris.
- Stakes should be added to the corners, where they should get pounded into the ground first, and then tightened with a metal tie-down. Make sure the stakes get driven into the ground at a 45-degree angle.
Looking to buy a bounce house or accessories for commercial inflatables? Make sure to factor in a tie-down procedure for your system. To find a structure, start browsing i2k today.