Grain Safety Equipment Donations to Area Fire Departments

Summit Contracting donated grain rescue equipment to three volunteer fire departments in northeast Nebraska to support local emergency responders and strengthen grain safety preparedness in rural communities.

Over the course of the fall and early winter, Summit Contracting donated grain rescue equipment to three volunteer fire departments in northeast Nebraska, including a Grain Res-Q-Tube to the Carroll Volunteer Fire Department, a Grain Res-Q-Tube to Winside Fire & Rescue, and a Rescue Auger to the Osmond Volunteer Fire Department. The Osmond Volunteer Fire Department already had a Res-Q-Tube in place prior to receiving the auger. 

Grain entrapment is a serious and often life-threatening risk on farms and at grain handling facilities. National agricultural safety data shows the U.S. averages 30–40 grain entrapment incidents each year, with the majority occurring in Midwestern states where on-farm grain storage is most common. These incidents often happen when grain that appears stable suddenly begins to flow or collapses, trapping individuals and making escape extremely difficult.

The Res-Q-Tube is a specially designed rescue device used to safely and efficiently extricate individuals trapped in grain bins. A Rescue Auger is used in conjunction with a grain rescue tube. Once the rescue tube is secured around the victim, the auger can be placed inside the tube to quickly remove grain from around the trapped person, reducing pressure and improving rescue time.

Summit Contracting made these donations as part of its commitment to supporting the communities it serves. Ensuring local volunteer fire departments have access to proper grain rescue equipment helps improve emergency response capabilities and preparedness across rural areas.

John Southwick, Chief of Sales at Summit Contracting, emphasized the importance of the donation: “Grain entrapment can happen in an instant, and it’s vital that our rural fire departments have the tools they need to respond quickly and effectively. We’re proud to help equip these area fire departments with this life-saving equipment, and we hope this donation will enhance their ability to protect and serve the community.”

While grain entrapments are preventable, having the proper equipment on hand can make the difference between life and death when an incident occurs. Summit Contracting remains committed to supporting rural communities and the farmers they serve by helping ensure local responders are equipped to handle grain-related emergencies safely and effectively.