The Hazard Volunteer Fire Department is among 67 fire departments across the country selected to receive specialized grain rescue equipment and hands on training through Nationwide’s annual Grain Bin Safety program.
Hazard was one of three Nebraska departments selected for the 2026 program, joining Orchard Volunteer Fire & Rescue and Uehling Volunteer Fire Department. The equipment and training were provided through Nationwide’s program, with funding support from the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board. Deliveries and training sessions for this year’s recipients took place between the spring and fall.
The Hazard department received a grain rescue tube designed to help firefighters safely remove someone trapped inside a grain bin. The tube consists of interlocking panels that rescuers slide into place around the entrapped individual, creating a barrier that relieves pressure from the surrounding grain and helps prevent additional grain from collapsing around the person. Once the tube is in place, rescuers can use a specialized auger included with the equipment to remove grain from inside the tube and free the individual.
Along with the equipment, departments receive hands on instruction through the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety. The training combines classroom discussion with practical rescue simulations using a specialized grain entrapment simulator, giving firefighters an opportunity to work with the equipment and practice rescue procedures before facing an actual emergency.
Grain bin entrapments can happen quickly and often leave little time for response. Flowing grain can pull a person beneath the surface, while crusted or bridged grain can collapse unexpectedly and bury someone inside a bin. More than 150 grain entrapments have been reported nationwide over the past five years, making proper equipment and preparation especially important for rural fire departments that may be called upon to respond.
Nationwide launched its Grain Bin Safety program and Nominate Your Fire Department campaign in 2014 to help reduce preventable injuries and deaths associated with grain handling and storage. Since the program began, it has provided equipment and training to 519 fire departments across 35 states, representing nearly $2.5 million in resources. Nationwide reports that the program’s resources have contributed to at least 19 lives being saved.
Grain Bin Safety Week was observed in February this year and is scheduled for February 14-20 in 2027. More information about the program, grain bin safety resources and opportunities for fire departments to participate can be found through Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety program.
