Wind is the most common reason Christmas inflatables fall over, tear or end up in a neighbor’s yard. Good anchoring and a few habits keep them upright all season.

Choose the right spot

Place inflatables where they are sheltered from the strongest wind, such as near the house, a fence or large shrubs, but not touching anything that could rub a hole in the fabric. Avoid low spots where water collects around the fan. Keep them clear of walkways and driveways.

Use every stake and tether

Most inflatables come with ground stakes for the base and tether ropes for the upper body. Use all of them. Push stakes in fully at an angle, leaning away from the inflatable, so they resist pulling. Run tethers out in different directions and stake them so the figure is held from several sides.

Upgrade the anchors if needed

The stakes supplied are often thin. In soft or sandy ground, longer tent stakes or landscape stakes hold better. On hard surfaces such as patios, use sandbags on the base and tie tethers to heavy planters or railings instead of stakes.

Protect the fan and power

  • Keep the fan housing off the ground if possible and away from standing water.
  • Plug into a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet and use outdoor-rated extension cords.
  • Keep connections off the ground and covered, for example with a weatherproof connection box.
  • Clear snow from around the base so the fan can draw air.

Turn them off in storms

Many owners switch inflatables off during strong wind and heavy snow. A deflated inflatable lies flat and is much less likely to tear or break loose. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for wind guidance. A smart plug lets you switch them off from your phone when the forecast changes.

Use a timer

Running inflatables only in the evening reduces wear on the fan and fabric. A plug-in timer or smart plug turns them on at dusk automatically.

Store them properly

Let inflatables dry completely before storing them, or they can develop mildew. Fold them loosely, keep the stakes and tethers in the same bag, and store everything somewhere dry.

Compare models in our Christmas inflatables category, and see outdoor decorations for lighted figures and pathway lights.