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Mother, fire department, warning farmers of grain bin dangers

Posted at 6:55 PM, Feb 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-17 19:04:47-05

BARGERSVILLE — A mother and local fire department are both working to raise awareness and prevent grain bin accidents.

Anita Howard lost her 18-year-old son to a grain bin accident in November and is working to raise awareness to help keep farmers safe.

Howard says she is on a mission to save one life after her son, Colten, died in a grain bin accident near Terre Haute.

Anita posted a video on Facebook Sunday talking about the dangers of grain bins.

"It will be on someone's mind when they're in that bin," Anita said. "And they recognize a problem, I want them to think back to this handsome young man who was just 18-years-old and a split decision claimed his life and is gone forever."

Bargersville firefighters say they are continuously training because there's been an increase in grain bin incidents.

"There is not a person on this department that doesn't understand the hazards of grain bins and has the general knowledge of where to start when a rescue is needed to be made," BFD Battalion Chief Michael Morris said.

Howard hopes to take her message to the National FFA Convention this year to connect with farmers and help prevent tragedies.