SEYMOUR – Last year, there were at least 42 grain entrapments across rural America, which resulted in 15 fatalities.
This is the highest number in more than a decade. To help prevent these tragic accidents and deaths, Nationwide and its partners have awarded life-saving grain rescue tubes and training to 60 fire departments across rural America through Nationwide’s annual Grain Bin Safety campaign.
Redding Township Volunteer Fire Department in Seymour is among one of the winners that was awarded a grain rescue tube and training this year. These resources are being brought to the community thanks to donations from IN Corn Marketing.
Since beginning the Grain Bin Safety campaign in 2014, at least seven fire departments have utilized their rescue tubes and training to successfully rescue entrapped individuals, including a recent Ohio rescue of a worker trapped up to his armpits in March 2023.
Click here to see all 60 fire department recipients.
“Grain bin accidents continue to be a critical issue facing the agriculture industry,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We are proud to have supplied these important resources to 60 more rural fire departments in partnership with the many sponsors involved in our grain bin safety efforts. However, the work will not be complete until we can put a stop to these needless accidents altogether. Thank you to the first responders who play such an important role in supporting the agriculture community.”
“With entrapments and accidents on the rise, it’s as important as ever to be following proper safety precautions before entering a bin,” said Liggett. “Visit our Grain Bin Safety page to find educational resources and tools to help maintain grain quality and prevent accidents. Thank you to our generous partners who have supported this cause.”
