Is your local fire department ready for the next grain bin rescue?

Working in and around grain bins is among the most hazardous jobs on any grain farm. And whether due to a shortcut or a momentary lapse in judgment, accidents can happen, sometimes with fatal results. In just seconds, a worker can become entrapped in flowing grain, making escape impossible without specialized help. Now, you can help equip your local first responders with the tools and training they need to help save lives.

Nominate Your Fire Department Contest

Rural firefighters are often the first or only line of defense during a grain entrapment. Unfortunately, many lack the specific equipment needed for a successful rescue. And any responding fire department may not have the specialized training to safely rescue a victim from grain entrapment. When every second counts, these gaps in resources can be a matter of life and death.

To help, Nationwide and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) run the annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest (Jan 1 – Apr 30) in recognition of Grain Bin Safety Week. The contest awards emergency responders with grain rescue tubes and hands-on training. In New York alone, the program has already equipped 17 fire departments—but more are needed.

"Every rural community should have the tools and training to save lives from grain entrapment," said Director of Member Advocacy & Insurance Partner Relations for New York Farm Bureau Scott Keyes. “If your local department needs resources, I encourage you to nominate them today.”

Check if a grain rescue tube has been awarded near you

Since its inception in 2014, the contest has attracted over 13,000 nominations and awarded rescue tubes and training to over 450 fire departments across 35 states. These tools have already been used to successfully rescue entrapped workers.

To see if your area has received a grain rescue tube, check out Nationwide’s list of past winners, organized by state. If your local department isn’t on the list, you can nominate them today.

Donate or become a sponsor

After nominating a fire department, you can further support grain bin safety by donating or becoming a sponsor. Every contribution helps provide grain rescue tubes and specialized training to first responders who need life‑saving equipment. Donations are managed through NECAS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To donate or become a sponsor, contact GBSWinfo@nationwide.com.

About Grain Bin Safety Week

Grain Bin Safety Week is held annually during the third full week of February. Created by Nationwide in 2014, its mission is simple: to eliminate preventable injuries and deaths related to grain handling and storage. The program highlights key safety practices, including:

• Safety planning steps. Essential protocols to prevent accidents.
• Safe work procedures. The importance of following strict guidelines every time.
• Specialized rescue training. Ensuring first responders have the right equipment and knowledge.

Find out more about Grain Bin Safety Week and how you can get involved at grainbinsafetyweek.com.