Esperance SES - State Emergency Service

New Members Always Welcome

MEETINGS – First Tuesday of every Month, 7.30pm at the Unit HQ.
The following information is reprinted from several different SES /FESA publications and brochures

Are you looking for a challenge, wanting to meet new people, learn new skills or help out in the community?

SES is focused on ensuring that Western Australian communities can cope with emergencies. It has the lead role in managing the State's actions for floods, cyclones storms, earthquakes and tsunami threats as well as assisting other agencies in their roles.

The volunteer units undertake regular training, including rescue skills, first aid & casualty handling, map reading & navigation, communications, operations, leadership & specialized skills.

Roles include

• Cyclone & flood response
• Cliff/cave rescue
• Road accident rescue (in specified areas)
• Air search observation
• Land search and rescue
• Vehicle recovery
• Storm damage relief
• Communications
• Management of the emergency co-ordination centre using computer systems.

Storm Damage Guide

• Prepare your home – Stay Storm Safe.
• Check and repair your roof and guttering.
• Clean gutters and downpipes of leaf litter.
• Trim branches clear of your home and get a professional contractor to clear trees from powerlines. Clear your yard of loose objects that could cause damage during high winds.
• Have a torch and radio with spare batteries available in case of power cuts.
• Plastic bags and sheeting are useful to keep possessions dry in case of storm damage to your home or property.
• Keep an emergency contact card with 24 hour numbers (SES, Bureau of Meteorology, Western Power, Water Corporation, Insurance Company, Gas Supplier etc).

During the storm – Stay Storm Safe

• Stay inside away from windows and close curtains.
• Turn off electrical appliances and avoid using phones – it is safe to use mobile phones during a storm.
• Ensure your pets and animals are secure.
• Listen to your radio for Bureau of Meteorology storm warning updates.
• If you're caught outside, seek shelter in a vehicle or building – never shelter under trees.
• If caught in a storm while driving, pull over, park until the storm passes. Remember to stay clear of trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.

After the storm – Stay Storm Safe

• Check your home and property for storm damage.
• Listen to Bureau of Meteorology weather updates for further storm warnings and reports of damage and disruption to services.
• If you need emergency assistance consult your emergency contact card.
• If you don't have any damage, help friends or neighbours who need assistance.
• Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and fallen or damaged trees.
• Keep children away from flooded drains, culverts and streams.
• Motorists shouldn't try to drive into water of unknown depth and current.
• Remember to return tarps to your local SES Unit after you have affected repairs to your house etc.

The SES volunteers respond to calls to remove fallen trees from homes, fix tarpaulins to damaged roofs or carry out life saving rescue operations. They give up their own personal time, often braving drenching rains and howling winds, to help the community.

Always remember that it is VOLUNTEERS who respond to calls for assistance.

If you require emergency assistance during or after a severe storm remember to assess the extent of the damage to your home to determine the level of assistance required from the guide below.

• High Priority - A life threatening situation
• Medium Priority - To avoid further damage from wind or rain
• Low Priority - Superficial damage that doesn't need immediate attention

The SES only provides EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. It is the responsibility of the property owner to arrange all household repairs following storm damage - contact your insurance company or licensed tradesperson.