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Marion County Farm Bureau partnered with local businesses, organizations and fire departments to host a safety meeting Aug. 27 at the Marion County fairgrounds. Local farmers, Farm Bureau members and community members in a four-county area listened to speakers cover topics of electrical safety and farm related fires.

Breakfast, sponsored by Cultivating Innovation, LLC, was catered and delivered by 8 a.m. along with bottled water donated by AgCredit, so guests could grab as they came in the door. The Marion County OSU Extension educator, Tim Barnes, welcomed the guests, gave the agenda for the morning and introduced the sessions and speakers.

Attendees learned about on-farm inspections for electrical issues that can lead to fire hazards: what to look for with wiring, in outlets and in junction boxes to prevent issues during busy planting and harvest seasons. Electrician, John Thiel, discussed building codes changes and new items available to use outdoors and in barn areas that prevent moisture, dust and insects from creating problems. He talked about PPE, lock-out, tag-out and ways to be safe when working with electrical devices. The local representative from the bureau of workers’ compensation mentioned common claims and noted they can help perform free on-site inspections. Caleb Douce with the Douce Agency spoke about coverage and explained what policy language means in terms of fire coverage. He highlighted the difference between actual cash value, replacement cost and blanket coverages and which one you want on farm buildings and equipment.

The Marion Township and 1st Consolidated Fire District/Pleasant Township Fire Departments set up a grain bin rescue tube and discussed how it is used. The main topic from the fire departments was grain bin fires and 1st Consolidated Fire District/Pleasant Township presented information and pictures from a large bin fire at Trillium Farms’ poultry feed mill that they fought.

Marion Township firefighters had different types of fire extinguishers, explained the extinguisher’s rating and label, provided details on the types of fires they could be used and the proper technique to use. Ten door prizes were drawn. Two firetrucks and a squad were on display and the session moved outdoors for a hands-on fire extinguisher demonstration. Attendees were able to ask questions after each session. Local Farm Bureau members were able to get safety meeting credits for the Workers’ Compensation Group Rating program.

Sponsors and donors for the vent were Ag Credit, Atom/Thiel Electric, Cultivating Innovation LLC, Douce Agency, LLC, 1st Consolidated Fire District/Pleasant Township Fire Dept., Marion Area Safety Council, Marion County Farm Bureau, Marion Township Fire Department, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, OSU Extension – Marion County, S.A. Comunale, and Survival Flight.

Follow us on Facebook or visit our webpage for details of programs throughout the year.