You know those inflatable bounce houses that are so popular at kids' parties and events? It never EVER occurred to me that they could be dangerous. I've even toyed with the idea of getting one for my girls at some point, but now that I've seen the footage from a bounce house that was sent tumbling while two kids were using it in Colorado on Saturday, I'm not so sure I will ever feel all that comfortable letting my kids use one outdoors, especially when it is windy.
You are not going to believe what happened!
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The incident on Saturday happened in Littleton when strong winds sent the bounce house tumbling across a field in a Colorado park. The footage is nuts and unfortunately there were two 10-year-old kids, a boy and a girl, playing in the structure when it happened. The girl was thrown about 8 feet in the air and the little boy was trapped inside as the bounce house tumbled probably over 200 feet. The little girl was treated on site and the little boy was rushed to the hospital, police believe he was not seriously injured.
I am so glad the kids are okay. The way that thing moved in the wind, it's a miracle that they weren't seriously hurt or killed. No exaggeration.
As crazy as the footage of the accident that happened on Saturday is, what's even crazier to me is that this is not an isolated incident. It's happened before and I have a feeling it is bound to happen again.
I'm thinkin' I will not be getting my kids any bouncy houses for anything. I'd rather take them to one of those indoor facilities that have them where wind is not a factor, but if you do plan on using a bounce house, here are four safety precautions you MUST take:
1. Follow all instructions to the letter. Read and follow all the intstructions provided in the manufacturer's manual.
2. Tether the bounce house correctly. You want to make sure the structure is tethered using metal stakes at least 18 inches long that are driven into the ground at a 45 degree angle.
3. Supervision is key. Have someone supervising the bounce house at all times.
4. Do not use in high winds. If winds are over 15 miles an hour, don't use a bounce house.
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