When a natural disaster strikes – a storm, cyclone, earthquake, or flood – State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers can be found helping to secure communities and get them back on their feet.

SES provides a wide range of services to help cope with the effects of natural disasters – from emergency repairs on buildings, to restoration of essential services and ferrying cargo and passengers across flood waters.

But responding to the effects of natural disasters is only part of SES’ responsibility. Volunteers also carry out land search (which can involve tracker dogs and horse-back searchers) and cliff and cave rescues. Our volunteers have also assisted in air search observation.

In remote areas where Fire and Rescue Service is unavailable, SES volunteers are responsible for the difficult task of extricating people from vehicles involved in road crashes.

SES is a large team and many volunteers work behind the scenes as radio or computer operators, in administration or incident control, planning and logistics. During prolonged incidents, SES volunteers can even provide catering services.

Equally important is the safety education role of SES. Volunteers actively promote prevention and preparation measures in visits to service groups, senior centres and homes, local business and schools.