By Jamie Martin
Nationwide’s 12th Grain Bin Safety Week, running from February 16-22, 2025, calls attention to the ongoing risks of grain bin entrapments in agriculture.
The campaign encourages nominations for local fire departments to receive special rescue tools and training by April 30, 2025.
Highlighting the danger, Brad Liggett of Nationwide stated, “There continues to be a significant need for these resources, and 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.”
The program, in partnership with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), has provided 390 grain rescue tubes and comprehensive training to first responders across 32 states. This equipment is vital in preventing fatalities in grain bins, where individuals can become engulfed in seconds due to rapidly shifting grain.
Dan Neenan of NECAS emphasized the urgency of equipping and training rural fire departments, who are often the first on the scene during such emergencies.
The initiative continues to receive strong support from a coalition of partners including KC Supply, Maryland Grain Producers, Horizon Farm Credit, and various state Farm Bureaus, ensuring a wide distribution of resources.
This year’s Grain Bin Safety Week also benefits from the backing of organizations like ProValue Insurance LLC, Valley View Agri-Systems, and numerous Farm Bureaus across the states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Their contributions are critical in fostering safety across the nation’s agricultural communities.
To learn more about nominating a fire department or getting involved with Grain Bin Safety Week, visit www.GrainBinSafetyWeek.com.
This initiative is a cornerstone in Nationwide’s commitment to enhancing farm safety and preventing grain bin entrapments through better preparedness and resources.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-romaset
Categories: National