How to help a dog overcome a fear of fireworks or thunder
Minimize the stimulation.
Insulate your dog from the bright lights and loud noises of storms and fireworks. Bring the dog indoors, and close all windows and doors.

Draw the curtains so the dog can't see the flashes. If appropriate (not during an electrical storm) put the tv on with the volume low, to act as a distraction.

How to clean a bagged vacuum cleaner
Make sure that your vacuum cleaner is not plugged in.
Any accidental power-on can cause big troubles. The fear of an electric shock is there nonetheless.

Look for bag in the area where the hose is connected to the body of the vacuum cleaner. It will be located right underneath the area where the pipe enters.

A lawnmower in a yard is shown. a boy

fills it with gas.

How to deal with abusive mother in law
Talk to your spouse about their mother.
It's likely that your spouse already knows that their mother is difficult. However, your spouse might not realize that their mother is actually abusive.
They also might not realize how seriously you feel about the situation. If you plan to address the problems with your mother-in-law, your spouse has a right to know before you take action.