Last updated September 22, 2026
Short answer: Anchor a Halloween inflatable with every stake and rope that came in the box, add weight such as sandbags where the instructions call for it, set it where a wall or hedge breaks the wind, and unplug it before strong wind or storms. A deflated inflatable catches much less wind than a full one.
Pick the spot
- Flat ground, so the base sits evenly.
- The side of the yard that is sheltered from the usual wind, such as next to the house or a hedge.
- Within reach of an outlet, or of an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
- Clear of the walkway and driveway, and away from anything it could hit if it tips.
Stake it and tie it down
- Follow the order in your product's instructions. Some inflatables are weighted or zipped before they are plugged in.
- Stake the base. Push every stake through its loop and into the ground, angled away from the inflatable.
- Tie off the ropes. Run each rope out at an angle to its own stake. Make it snug, but not so tight that it pulls on the seams.
- Add weight. On a driveway or patio, stakes will not go in. Weights such as sandbags can hold the base and the ropes instead.
- Check it after windy nights. Push loose stakes back in and retie slack ropes.
Setting up the PorchHaunt Ghost Band inflatable
Our Ghost Band inflatable is about 93 in long, 57 in tall and 41 in deep, with 6 LEDs. It comes with 4 metal stakes, 2 ropes and a power adapter, and it inflates when plugged in. The supplier's setup steps are:
- Put the sandbags in place. Sandbags are not included, so have them ready.
- Zip up the zipper.
- Plug in the power adapter.
- Tie the ropes.
- Fix the inflatable to the ground with the stakes.
An extension cord is not included. If you need one, use a cord rated for outdoor use. You can find the Ghost Band inflatable in our porch decor collection.
Wind, rain and storms
- Unplug it in strong wind or storms and let it deflate. Plug it back in once the weather calms down.
- Rain: inflatables differ in how much wet weather they are made for. Check the instructions that come with your inflatable before leaving it out in rain.
- Keep the power adapter and plug connections off wet ground.
- Storage: let it dry fully before you fold it away.
How much electricity does an inflatable use?
Check the wattage printed on the power adapter label. Energy used in kWh equals watts divided by 1,000, times hours per night, times nights. For example, a 20 W adapter run 6 hours a night for 30 nights uses 3.6 kWh. At $0.30 per kWh, that is about $1.08. This is an illustration, not the wattage of a specific product.
Returns on inflatables
An unopened inflatable can be returned within 30 days of delivery. An opened inflatable is returnable only if it is defective, for example if it will not inflate, a seam leaks or the LEDs do not light on arrival. Items that have been used outdoors or staked are not returnable unless defective. See our Refund Policy.
No outdoor outlet? Read Halloween Porch Decorations With No Outdoor Outlet.