Nominate Fire Departments for Grain Bin Safety

Feb 06, 2025
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Nationwide Launches Contest to Equip Rural Firefighters

Grain Bin Safety Week, scheduled for February 16-22, 2025, is an essential initiative led by Nationwide to combat the hazards of grain bin entrapments in rural America.

This program highlights the importance of safety in agricultural confined spaces, where quicksand-like conditions can trap farm workers in seconds, leading to fatalities.

"As we enter our 12th year, our goal continues to be reducing these preventable incidents that can quickly turn fatal," said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. "We’re grateful to see our program is making a real impact with six successful rescues last year and a total of 13 lives saved since 2014."

Nationwide's Nominate Your Fire Department Contest is a critical component of this safety initiative. It provides rural fire departments with the necessary tools and training to effectively respond to grain entrapment emergencies.

Since its inception in 2014, Nationwide and its partners have donated 390 grain rescue tubes and offered extensive training across 32 states, amounting to nearly $2 million in resources.

Partnerships play a vital role in the success of Grain Bin Safety Week. Nationwide collaborates with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), KC Supply, Horizon Farm Credit, and several state-specific farm bureaus and agribusiness sponsors such as Maryland Grain Producers, Delaware Soybean Board, and GROWMARK, among others.

Dan Neenan, director at NECAS, emphasized the importance of quick response and proper equipment. "Time is of the essence when responding to these accidents, and rural fire departments are often the only line of defense," he stated.

To participate or nominate a fire department, visit www.GrainBinSafetyWeek.com before April 30, 2025. This initiative not only equips first responders with crucial tools but also promotes a zero-entry mentality to prevent these life-threatening situations.

Photo Credit: KC Supply

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