Are Your Kids Safe in Bounce Houses?
This video is no longer available.
HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — They’re the life of any kids’ birthday party and provide entertainment for hours, but at what point is a life in danger? “It’s kind of scary, especially when the wind is up, you know, I don’t think it’s safe to let them get out and bounce on them,” said grandparent Joe Phelps. Videos from a bounce house blowing 300 feet across a field in Colorado have parents concerned. Employees at local inflatable rental companies say they know the risks. “If you don’t have it staked down properly, if you don’t have it tied down properly, the wind catches it. It’ll be gone in a few seconds,” explained Ashley Teague. Fun Zone Adventures said they have major precautions they take for every event with an inflatable. “We don’t set up if it’s between 15 and 20 miles an hour wind. If it’s over that, you know, sorry, it has to be in a gym,” Teague said. Engineers explain these structures can be easily moved because wind can come in and push up the top of these bounce houses. Without the stakes, the vinyl and air don’t stand a chance against gusts of wind over 20 miles per hour. Inflatable companies say summer through fall are really busy seasons. They say parents at these events just have to make sure they put safety first.
