How to Avoid Christmas Tree Fires
Tips from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Christmas trees start more than 200 fires every year and one in every 31 results in death. As 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, including 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. Watch Sher tell the story in her own words.
Sher has teamed up with fire safety advocacy group, Common Voices to help spread her message through the #DoItForDon Holiday Safety Campaign that includes a downloadable Christmas Tree Safety Flyer that she hopes to get into as many hands as possible. Here are three easy-to-follow tips:
• Water the Tree Stand Daily
• 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 six members of my family was started by their Christmas tree. Don died trying to save his loved ones. These are simple steps that everyone should know to keep their family safe,” said Sher Grogg. “We also know that if the house had fire sprinklers, the outcome would have been much different. Fire sprinklers buy time, and time buys life.”
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.