STUFF MY M-I-L SCREWED UP

My mother-in-law is an active 83-year-old who still lives in her own home of many years. When we last visited, we were horrified to discover that she has hung a collection of disused and out-of season clothing on Romex electrical cable, which runs through the joists under the basement ceiling. Now we’re worried about other safety issues down there, too. —Anthony (and Julia) Wisniewski

- Anthony (and Julia) Wisniewski

THE FIX

Hanging anything from active wiring is a fire hazard and a big no-no. The weight of heavy items of clothing can loosen or dislodge the wiring, and wire hangers could abrade the plastic covering on the electrical wire—potentially causing a shock, or, more ominously, leading to a fire.