A true tragedy occurred in neighboring Rockdale County this week when four children's lives were snuffed out in a devastating house fire.

In the midst of the mourning, we urge people to use this reminder to ensure they're being safe with their home and family.

The weather is supposed to return to spring-like conditions over the weekend, but don't let your guard down as house fires can start in any conditions and destroy possessions and lives.

We also urge you to conduct regular emergency drills with your family so the children know how to escape in the event of a fire or where to go in the case of a tornado, the season for which is approaching.

We also suggest you program 911 on your cell phone and those of your children just in case, as every second is vital in the case of fires and other emergencies. If you have any reason to be weary of your wiring, have an electrician inspect it and make sure your air filters are clean and that the batteries in your fire alarms are new or fully charged.

We mourn for the loss of the children, whose lives ended entirely too soon.
We pray for comfort and peace for the young mother and her family as they cope with their grief and these losses.