By Andi Anderson
Grain bin entrapments are one of the leading causes of agricultural accidents, posing severe risks to farm workers. To address this issue, Nationwide is hosting its 12th annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest as part of Grain Bin Safety Week, from February 16-22, 2025. This campaign aims to raise awareness and provide rural fire departments with life-saving equipment and training.
The Dangers of Grain Entrapment
Grain entrapments can become deadly within seconds. In just four seconds, a person can sink knee-deep in flowing grain and become trapped. In 20 seconds, they can be fully engulfed. In 2023 alone, 27 grain entrapments were reported, resulting in 16 fatalities. Experts estimate that 30% of cases go unreported, making the situation even more concerning.
Safety Program Making a Difference
Since 2014, Nationwide and its partners have distributed 390 grain rescue tubes and training sessions to fire departments across 32 states, providing nearly $2 million in resources. This initiative has directly contributed to the successful rescue of 13 individuals trapped in grain bins.
Nominate Your Fire Department
The Nominate Your Fire Department Contest is now open until April 30, 2025. Fire departments in rural areas can receive specialized grain rescue tubes and training from the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS).
The Importance of Training
"Time is critical when responding to grain bin accidents," said Dan Neenan, NECAS director. Rural fire departments play a vital role in responding to these emergencies, making proper training and equipment essential.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: National