The
SES Story
The
SES is a volunteer based organisation that is designed to empower
people to help themselves and others in their community in times
of emergency and disaster.
Concept
of The State Emergency Service (SES)
The basic concept of the SES is one of self help and mutual assistance
within each community. Maximum use is made of existing resources
which are in day to day use within each community to reinforce the
resources of statutory services in times of disaster and emergency.
This
concept involves the community in all aspects of disaster and emergency
activity including prevention, preparation, response and recovery
measures that will help protect the community when disaster strikes.
The
concept is based on the philosophy of the State Counter Disaster
Organisation Act 1975-78:
The
protection of life and property and the alleviation of suffering
and hardship caused by disaster are the fundamental responsibilities
of the three levels of government - Federal, State and Local - and
the Community.
Functions
of the SES
The primary functions of the SES are:
- To
advise and assist Local Government, Government Departments, statutory
organisations, voluntary groups and other bodies;
- To
educate and train members of the public (including volunteers
and members of voluntary groups);
- To
coordinate, direct and control members of the public (including
volunteers and members of voluntary groups), material and resources;
- with
respect to counter disaster purposes.
The
SES also has the following emergency related functions:
- To
carry out rescue or similar operations in an emergency situation;
- To
carry out search operations in an emergency or other situation;
- To
carry out other operations in an emergency situation to -
- Help
injured persons; or
- Protect
persons or property from danger or potential danger associated
with the emergency situation.
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Structure
of SES
 |
 |
| 12
District Offices, Located at: |
Cairns
Townsville
Mount Isa
MAckay
Longreach
Rockhampton |
Bundaberg
Gympie
Brisbane
Beenleigh
Toowoomba
Roma |
|
 |
 |
Each
Local Goverment area within
the state is serviced by an SES Unit.
Each Unit is managed by a Local
Controller. The majority of Local Controllers are voluntary
positions. |
|
 |
| Where
SES Units cover large areas or areas with large population
bases, there may be SES Groups formed to service specific
geographical areas or communities. Each Group would be
managed by a Group Leader. |
|
 |
Roles
of the SES
The SES becomes involved in preparing for and responding to many
different types of disasters and emergencies including:
- Cyclones
- Floods
- Severe
storms
- Earthquakes
- Cliff
rescues
- Transportation
accidents (road / rail / air)
- Landslides
- Searches
for missing persons
- Animal
disease outbreaks
SES
members also assist other emergency services with:
- Provision
of emergency lightning
- Provision
of emergency welfare services
- Control
of traffic at emergency scenes
- Provision
of emergency communication
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