Searches and Storms keep volunteers Committed
Gosnells State Emergency Service (SES) Volunteers were kept busy last month firstly searching for 4 different people over a 6 day period. While some missing person searches may get some public exposure, on most occasions the SES volunteers search day and night, in all types of weather to help re-unite loved ones.
“SES volunteers spend a lot of time training and refining their searching skills. Although they may not find the missing person, they know where the missing person is not within their searched area.”, said Gosnells SES Local Manager Paul Hollamby. Sometimes the missing person is found in the area that the SES is searching and on other occasions they are found somewhere else, but every time the SES searches, the family can be assured that the area that has been thoroughly searched. Less than a week later, SES volunteers readied themselves for another busy week, as the Bureau of Meteorology issued 2 severe weather warnings, including winds exceeding 125 kilometres per hour in 5 days.
While the predicated weather did not have a major impact to the metropolitan area, the volunteers take their commitment to the community very seriously. In many cases arrangement for leave would have been made with their employers. In the evenings fatigue is managed by shortening family time by going to bed earlier. Preparations were also made to roster volunteers over the predicted worse period.
During this period, a few members of the City of Gosnells community required assistance from the SES, day or night, 7 days a week. These temporary repairs are made until insurance companies or rental providers can arrange for permanent repairs to be made in the following days. This time that is readily given to the community but is in lieu of time with their families.
It is worth remembering that volunteers would not be able to make this commitment without the support of their families and employers. Training with the SES is open to men and women, of all ages over 18. Contact the Gosnells SES on 9459 8015 to find out more about becoming a volunteer.
