I was vacuuming and heard a pop. The electrical outlet the vacuum was plugged into is mostly black now. Is this a fire hazard? Since I can't fix this myself can I just let it be and not use the outlet? Thanks. Ruth

Ruth, Sure you can fix it! Turn off the power at the breaker, remove the old outlet and replace with same. Could be back wired, they are prone to failing with a "pop".Turn breaker back on.

Ruth,
If you don't feel comfortable working with this, please hire a pro...
It's hard to say if this receptacle is a safety issue but I would prefer you did not
Take that chance...