25/05/2020 – Letter from Commissioner Storm 5 & 6 May 2020

Mr Gregory Cook

President

Dear Greg

SES ASSISTANCE AND RESPONSE

I would like to Reiterate my thanks to the State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers and all personnel who assisted during last week’s severe storm weather across the Perth Metropolitan and South West Regions.

Heavy rain and damaging winds from a fierce cold front prompted hundreds of calls to SES and left 55,000 homes without power, causing distress to many Residents.

During the storm the SES responded to over 400 requests for assistance including  260 for the metro region, and teams were quick to be on hand to help with fallen trees, roof and structural damage. I understand that many SES units worked through the night and long into the next day to ensure all requests were completed.

Even with prior preparations of placing additional staff on call, increasing resources for the call centre and conducting checks of stores and equipment, it is difficult to determine the impacts of a storm until takes place.

I commend the dedication and efforts of all units and members. In these times of physical distancing and gathering restrictions, emergency responders continue to improvise and adapt to the temporary working conditions in order to help others,

Keep up the great work and stay safe.

Yours Sincerely

DARREN KLEMM AFSM

COMMISSIONER

14 May 2020