20 Common safety risks that were once perfectly legal

A candle near a curtain once seemed cozy, not careless. Heavy drapes, gas heaters, decorative flames, and small household candles often shared the same rooms, especially in older homes where warmth and atmosphere mattered. Over time, fire safety messaging became more familiar, and product design improved as well. Everyone began thinking more about clearance, stable surfaces, flame-resistant materials, and whether anything flammable was hanging nearby.