3 Dangerous Items You Don’t See Around Homes Anymore
3 Dangerous Items You Don’t See Around Homes Anymore
Our homes are supposed to be a safe haven, but there are some items that can pose a danger to our safety. In recent years, many of these dangerous items have disappeared from homes, thanks to safety regulations and changing customs.
3 Dangerous Items You Don’t See Around Homes Anymore
- Lawn darts: Lawn darts were a popular game in the 1960s and 1970s, but they were banned in many countries due to their high injury rate. The darts could easily fly off course and hit people or pets, causing serious injuries.
- Diving boards: Diving boards were once a common feature in backyard pools, but they have become less popular in recent years due to the risk of head and neck injuries. In fact, homeowners insurance rates can be higher for homes with diving boards.
- Two-prong electrical plugs: Two-prong electrical plugs were the standard in homes for many years, but they are no longer considered safe. These plugs do not have a grounding wire, which can increase the risk of electrical fires.
Why These Items Are No Longer Common
The disappearance of these dangerous items is due to a number of factors, including:
- Safety regulations: Many of these items were banned or recalled due to safety concerns. For example, lawn darts were banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 1988.
- Changing customs: People are now more aware of the dangers of these items and are less likely to have them in their homes. For example, many people now choose to have backyard pools without diving boards.
- Improved technology: There are now safer alternatives to these items available. For example, there are now three-prong electrical plugs that have a grounding wire.
How to Keep Your Home Safe
If you have any of these dangerous items in your home, it is important to get rid of them. You can also take steps to make your home safer by:
- Installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keeping electrical cords out of reach of children and pets.
- Using safety gates around stairs and pools.
- Being aware of the risks of other dangerous items in your home, such as sharp objects and chemicals.
By taking these steps, you can help keep your home safe for you and your family.
Contact your insurance agent today to discuss your homeowners’ insurance needs. We can help you make sure you have the right coverage to protect your home and belongings.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Slow Cooker Immunity: Nourishing Your Body with Winter Comfort Foods
Fight the mid-winter slump! Easy slow-cooker recipes packed with immune-boosting spices and ingredients to keep your family healthy in late January.
Accountability in the New Year: Auditing Employee Risk for Workers’ Comp and Liability
Get back to basics! Mid-January is the time for mandatory safety refreshers and HR audits to manage Workers’ Comp and General Liability risk in 2026.
The Mid-January Check-Up: Why Scheduling Your Life Insurance Exam Now Locks in the Best Rate
Don’t delay the exam! Schedule your Life Insurance paramedical exam in mid-January to lock in your best rate and complete your application process quickly.
Used Car, New Coverage: Insuring Your Post-Holiday Vehicle Purchase in January
Just bought a used car? Don’t forget to update the VIN, transfer your coverage, and check if you need higher Medical Payments limits.
The Mid-Winter Meltdown: Protecting Your Home from Aging Furnace and Water Heater Failure
Mid-January system failure is costly. Learn why standard home insurance doesn’t cover your broken furnace and why you need an Equipment Breakdown endorsement now.
The Great Indoor Escape: Launching Your Mid-January Reading Challenge
Swap the screen for a spine! How to launch a simple, rewarding mid-January reading challenge to improve focus and beat the winter blues.
Cyber Traps of Tax Season: Securing Your Business Data with Cyber Insurance
Tax season is phishing season. Protect your sensitive financial data and employee W-2s with robust Cyber Insurance coverage against targeted tax fraud.
Tax Season Lifeline: Why January is the Time to Secure Estate Liquidity with Life Insurance
Tax season is here. Use Life Insurance to create tax-free liquidity for your estate and protect your family business from forced asset sales.
The Debt-Deductible Dilemma: Aligning Your Auto Policy with Post-Holiday Finances
Did holiday spending deplete your savings? Reconsider high auto deductibles—you might not be able to afford the out-of-pocket cost if you have an accident now.
Deep Freeze Defense: Essential Home Insurance Prep for January’s Peak Winter Storms
Don’t wait for the blizzard. A mid-January guide to using your Home Insurance to protect against peak winter storm damage, from ice dams to power outages.