Skip to content
Common Voices Logo
  • About UsExpand
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Advocacy Efforts
    • Advocate Resources
    • Membership
  • The AdvocatesExpand
    • The Truth Burns
    • Request an Advocate
    • Amy Acton
    • Bonnie Woodruff
    • Donna Henson
    • Gail Minger
    • Jeff & Tina Jordan
    • Justina Page
    • Pam Elliott
    • Mark Esker
    • Rob Feeney
    • Sher Grogg
    • Vina Drennan
  • NewsExpand
    • Press Releases
    • Common Voices in the News
  • Press Room
  • Videos
  • Resources
  • Contact
Donate
Common Voices Logo
Press Releases

Fire Safety Advocacy Group Launches Christmas Tree Safety Campaign

December 8, 2020 – Christmas trees start more than 200 fires every year, and one in every 31 of those fires results in death. Although one of the most cherished symbols of the holiday season, many people don’t know the important safety tips. Since Sher Grogg tragically lost 6 members of her family – her beloved brother Don, her sister-in-law, and their four grandchildren – in a fire caused by an overly dry Christmas tree in January 2015, she has made it her mission to help other families celebrate their holidays safely through a holiday safety campaign.

Sher has teamed up with fire safety advocacy group Common Voices to help spread her message on how to care for and install a live tree for the holidays along with the importance of fire sprinklers. Here are three easy-to-follow and imperative tips:

  • Water the tree stand daily – really, every day
  • Always turn the lights off and unplug them before leaving or going to bed
  • Dispose of the tree within 30 days or by January 2, whichever comes first

Sher credits finding Common Voices as a key part of her recovery process, even though nothing will ever be able to bring her family members back. Helping to educate others in their memory eases the pain. “The tragic fire that claimed 6 members of my family was started by their Christmas tree. Don died trying to save his loved ones. There are simple steps that everyone should know to keep their family safe. We also know that if the house had fire sprinklers, the outcome would have been much different,” said Sher Grogg.

We challenge you to send your own video, with holiday fire safety tips and we’d be happy to share it. Sher’s brother Don would want her to spread the message now that she can. Sher says, “I didn’t have the knowledge to save my family, but now I have it to save yours.”

Holiday Graphic

Too many times each year, this scene ends in tragedy. Make sure you practice fire safety.

Download Holiday Flyer

Contact: Vickie Pritchett, 615.533.0305

Download PDF Release >

About Common Voices
Common Voices (www.fireadvocates.org) is an advocates’ coalition of members who all have been directly affected by fire. By bringing their voices together, they hope to educate others regarding fire and its devastating impact. Their mission is to create a fire-safe America by sharing their stories, creating resources that educate and sharing fire statistics.

Common Voices

PO Box 162
Pleasant View, TN 37146
615-533-0305

About Us

  • About Us
  • Board of Directors
  • Membership
  • Our Advocacy Efforts

Media

  • Press Room
  • Videos
  • Press Releases

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Contact Us

© 2025 Common Voices

  • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Advocacy Efforts
    • Advocate Resources
    • Membership
  • The Advocates
    • The Truth Burns
    • Request an Advocate
    • Amy Acton
    • Bonnie Woodruff
    • Donna Henson
    • Gail Minger
    • Jeff & Tina Jordan
    • Justina Page
    • Pam Elliott
    • Mark Esker
    • Rob Feeney
    • Sher Grogg
    • Vina Drennan
  • News
    • Press Releases
    • Common Voices in the News
  • Press Room
  • Videos
  • Resources
  • Contact
Search