By Enid Lake Park Rangers

Christmas Safety

With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Holiday Season underway, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Enid Lake would like to remind everyone to keep safety on the top of their Christmas List this holiday season.

A few safety tips to keep you and your family safe while decorating for the holiday seasons are as follows: always check holiday lights to make sure they are recommended for intended use.

Using lights that are not specifically designed for certain usage can be very dangerous causing fire or electrical shock.

Before hanging lights insure lights are in mint condition, and free from broken or cracked sockets, and free from frayed or bare wiring. When putting up your Christmas tree be sure and place the tree away from heaters, fireplaces, and do not block doorways.

Christmas trees although very pretty can be very dangerous with the potential of catching fire. While decorating Christmas trees be sure and use decorations that are made with flame resistant materials, and never use lighted candles on a tree.

For those who still use a live tree, be sure and always keep the tree stands filled with water. Heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, which can result in the tree catching on fire.

For those of you who have small children in your home or will have small children visiting, be sure to keep all small Christmas decorations or decorations with sharp points out of reach of children. These bright and shiny decorations are very inviting to children, and can be very dangerous if swallowed.

Last, but not least NEVER leave candles burning or Christmas lights on when going to bed or leaving your home. Remember safety first; don’t let your happy and joyful holiday season turn into a tragedy.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to remind campers that Class A camping will be available at Wallace Creek, Persimmon Hill, Chickasaw Hill, and Ford’s Well Campgrounds, and Class C camping will be available at Long Branch, and Plum Point Campgrounds throughout the fall and winter months.

Camping rates are $10 and $12 at Wallace Creek and Persimmon Hill Campgrounds depending on site location, $10 at Chickasaw Hill and Ford’s Well, and no cost at Plum Point and Long Branch Campgrounds.

Whether you’re spending a nice quiet Christmas at home, camping at Enid Lake, or will be traveling to visit friends and family, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. For more information on holiday safety or camping opportunities at Enid Lake, please contact the Enid Lake Field Office at 662-563-4571 or visit our website at http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Lakes/ms/enid/.