LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Farm Bureau will sponsor grain bin safety training programs in Dumas Feb. 26 and in Jonesboro Feb. 27. 

The Safety & Technical Rescue Association will provide the training programs. The programs will begin in a classroom and end with a hands-on demonstration with a RES-Q Trainer, a portable training unit that demonstrates the use of coffer dams. Anyone directly related to grain bin use or first responders, firefighters, EMTs, etc. are encouraged to attend the training program.

“Grain entrapments are essentially a weekly event that happens in America. The fatalities from those are probably one every other week or so,” said Bill Harp, CEO of the Safety and Technical Rescue Association.

The training program will teach not only prevention techniques but also the proper actions to take in the event of an actual grain engulfment. According to Harp, with technological advancements and better preparedness of rescuers, rescue missions have become more successful increasing the chance of survival.

If interested in learning more about the classes contact Amanda Williams at 501-228-1493 or Jason Kaufman at 501-228-1375. The program begins at 9 a.m. at both locations. Lunch will be provided. The class at Dumas will be held at 18 Belmont Street, and the class at Jonesboro will be held at 7001 Johnson Avenue.

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of more than 192,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.