What to Do if the Power Goes Out While Kids Are in a Bounce House?

It’s the nightmare scenario for any backyard party or event organizer: the music is playing, kids are laughing, and suddenly—silence. The blower stops, and the massive inflatable castle begins to sag.

When a bounce house loses power, you don’t have time to wait. You have a window of 30 to 60 seconds before the structure collapses enough to potentially trap or panic the children inside.

Here is your definitive emergency guide on how to handle a sudden power outage safely and professionally.

1. The “Golden Minute”: Immediate Action Steps

The most important thing to remember is that inflatables do not “pop” like balloons; they deflate. This gives you a small but critical window to act.

Stay Calm and Vocal

Children will notice the change in noise and the sagging walls immediately. Their natural instinct might be to freeze or hide.

• Your Command: Use a loud, commanding, but non-panicked voice. Cry out: “Power is out! Everyone out of the castle now! Move fast!”
• Avoid Screaming: High-pitched screaming triggers panic, which leads to kids tripping over each other.

Clear the Exit First

Run to the entrance/exit immediately. As the air leaves, the “doorway” is often the first part to collapse.

• Hold it Open: Use your arms to physically lift the vinyl header of the doorway, creating a clear tunnel for kids to crawl through.
• Prioritize the Slide: If the unit has a slide, ensure anyone at the top slides down immediately rather than trying to climb back down the ladder.

The Headcount

Once the unit is empty, move the children at least 10 feet away from the deflating vinyl. Do a physical headcount. If you are missing a child, look for lumps or movement under the collapsing fabric and lift it manually to create an air pocket.

2. Troubleshooting: Why Did the Power Fail?

Once everyone is safe and accounted for, you can investigate the cause. Do not let kids back in until the unit is fully firm and the power source is confirmed stable.

Common Causes and Solutions:

• Tripped GFCI: Check the reset button on the outdoor outlet or the plug itself.
• Circuit Overload: Is a margarita machine, crockpot, or DJ speaker on the same circuit? Move them to a different breaker.
• Inlet Blockage: Ensure no leaves, paper, or plastic bags have been sucked into the blower’s intake.
• Loose Connection: Check if a child or pet tripped over the extension cord and pulled it loose.

3. Proactive Safety Tips for Event Hosts

To prevent a “scare” from becoming a “disaster,” follow these industry-standard safety tips:

• Dedicated Circuits: Always plug the blower into its own 15 or 20-amp circuit.
• The “One-Hand” Rule: An adult supervisor should always be within a few steps of the blower or the entrance.
• No Extension Cord Daisy-Chains: Use one heavy-duty (12-gauge) extension cord. Never plug multiple cords together.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a child suffocate if a bounce house collapses on them?

A: While the vinyl is heavy and non-breathable, there is usually enough residual air inside for several minutes. The primary risk isn’t immediate suffocation, but rather entrapment and panic that can lead to injury or trampling. Lifting the fabric manually provides immediate air.

Q: Should I leave the kids inside if I think the power will come back on in a second?

A: No. Always evacuate immediately. If the power flickers, it could indicate a faulty wire that might cause a fire. Get them out, stabilize the power, and then let them back in.

Q: What if it starts raining when the power goes out?

A: Rain makes the vinyl significantly heavier and “sticky,” causing it to deflate much faster. In this case, evacuation is an absolute emergency. Do not attempt to save the equipment; focus entirely on the children.

Conclusion

A power outage doesn’t have to end the party, but it does require immediate leadership. By staying calm, clearing the exit, and performing a headcount, you ensure that a technical glitch remains a minor hiccup rather than a headline.