TO: Local Media

FROM: Chief Taylor

DATE: 03-05-2020

SUBJECT: Grain Bin Rescue Tube Donation

On Monday March 2, 2020 Campbellsville Fire Rescue received a donation from the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation to purchase a grain bin rescue tube. This particular tube is lightweight and portable allowing it to be transported on Rescue 1, our first out rescue truck.

Response time, special equipment, special training and special people are critical when responding to technical rescue incidents. Grain bin rescue is no exception. It only takes a few seconds to become engulfed by flowing grain and 60 seconds to be completely submerged in grain. According to researchers at Purdue University there have been more than 900 cases of grain engulfment with a fatality rate of 62% over the past 50 years. In addition to engulfment hazards, there is also a risk of toxic gas buildup, unexpected fires and threat of explosion caused by the buildup of combustible grain dust.

With this new piece of rescue equipment and our local farmers having a farm safety plan/training we can work to actively to reduce those accidents in the farming community. Farmers can increase awareness of farming hazards and make a conscious effort to prepare for emergency situations. If you are a farmer and need assistance with a farm safety plan or training please reach out to our department, we would be happy to assist.

We would like thank Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation for the donation and Taylor County Cooperative Extension Office for coordinating this project.