"Emergency Tube" Helps Rescue Teams

"Emergency Tube" Helps Rescue Teams FARM HOME Miscellaneous 23-5-30 Fire fighters and other response teams can quickly access critical information about your farm if you take advantage of this new "Emergency Tube" idea developed by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Guelph, Ontario. The 2-in. dia., 12-in. long weathertight plastic tube is designed to mount on the farm's main electric meter pole. The tube has a light reflective label which makes it highly visible to emergency crews. The idea is to enclose a map of the farmstead that lists the location of tanks, pesticides, compressed gas and other hazards, electrical breakers, available sources of water, location of livestock and machinery, etc. The tube snaps into a metal clip that attaches to the meter pole. "We started it as a pilot project four years ago and have sold several thousand of the units through our association," says Andrew Graham, program advisor. "The response from firefighters and farm safety groups across Canada has been very supportive. Fire departments tell us they won't enter a burning machinery shed unless they first know exactly what's in it. The forms can also include information about your household, such as where the bedrooms are, where the kids are supposed to be, etc. The forms can also pinpoint where your most valuable items are, so if the rescue team has time to save only one item they know what to go after. It's important to keep the information updated every year. We suggest mounting the tube on the meter pole because that's where firemen have to go to shut off the main power. "We encourage community groups and farm organizations to take the Emergency Tube on as a project in cooperation with local firefighters and other sponsors. We discourage the sale of single tubes to inquiring individuals. The idea won't work unless all local rescue teams are aware of it. The cost is $12 per Emergency Tube and includes the forms to go inside." For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Andrew Graham, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, 1st Floor, 1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 4Y2 (ph 519 826-4214; fax 4224).

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