SES Volunteers from the Metropolitan area and the Midwest are assisting the storm ravaged Towns of Northam and York to recover from the damaging storms on the weekend. A major operation is planned for tomorrow (Tuesday) with large numbers of SES Volunteers being sent to the effected Towns. Teams of SES Volunteers will leave Perth at first light to arrive at the Towns early in the morning where they will be allocated to repair tasks. The teams will be self contained and take with them all the resourses they need for the operation.
SES Volunteers receive extensive training in storm damage techniques which enable them to assess damage and determine the safe methods of repair.
SES Volunteers receive training in:
- Provision of emergency operations centre
- Support of emergency operations centre
- Collection of operational information
- Dissemination of warnings
- Dissemination of public information
- Provision of communications
- Rescue from structures
- Mitigate structural damage
- Provision of power / light
- Field catering
- Coordination of resources
- Conduct of structural rescue
- Tree lopping / felling
SES volunteers are a dedicated group of people drawn from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all professions. All have a common desire to make a contribution within the community by offering emergency assistance. These volunteers make themselves available to be called out to emergencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as and when required.
SES volunteers care about their communities and are not paid for the great work that they do. The SES is a volunteer organisation and designed to help WA communities in times of emergency and disaster. Each year the SES receives thousands of calls for assistance.
The State Emergency Service (SES) becomes involved in a wide range of disaster and emergency related operations. To allow these operational activities to be responded to effectively and safely the SES has a responsibility to ensure adequate and appropriate training is available to its members. This training provides SES members with the appropriate skills & knowledge to enable them to perform their operational tasks and functions in a safe and effective manner.
A family clean up after wild weather ripped off the roof of their home on Great Southern Highway in York. Picture: Alf Sorbello Source: PerthNow
