This birthday party staple is prone to tragedy with a gust of wind

City: Tasmania

So, you know those inflatable bounce houses that are everywhere at kids’ parties? Well, they can actually be pretty dangerous. A recent report from the University of Georgia points out that a simple gust of wind can turn a fun day into a disaster.

These bouncy castles are a hit at birthday parties, right? They’re fun and relatively cheap to rent. But here’s the kicker: they can be a real hazard. Every year, tons of kids and even adults end up in the ER because of bounce house injuries.

Between 1990 and 2009, a study found that bounce house injuries shot up, with nearly 700 cases in Canada alone. And it’s not just bumps and bruises; these things can actually take off in the wind!

Researchers have tracked over 100 incidents where strong winds caused bounce houses to fly away, leading to injuries and even deaths. One tragic event in Tasmania saw a bounce house lift off the ground with kids inside, resulting in six fatalities.

It’s not just the kids inside that are at risk. People on the ground can get hurt too, and there have been accidents that caused car crashes and even fires. Most of these incidents happen during thunderstorms, cold fronts, or dust devils.

While some wind events are hard to predict, many storms are well-forecasted. The study suggests that better regulations could help keep everyone safe. Surprisingly, less than half of U.S. states have clear rules about bounce house use, especially regarding weather conditions.

Plus, many injuries happen when kids are playing without adult supervision. Keeping an eye on the kids can really help reduce the risks. The researchers even set up a website, WeatherToBounce.com, to share safety tips and track incidents. So, if you’re planning a party, maybe think twice before renting that bounce house!