When should you call the SES? A quick guide
Fence damaged by a fallen tree? Not a job for the SES. A fallen tree through your roof? Give them a call. To clear things up, we’ve got the do’s and don’ts of calling the State Emergency Service to help out.
Your knights in shining armour
The SES is a volunteer division of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). When a natural disaster strikes or an emergency arises, SES volunteers come to the rescue by providing a wide range of volunteer services to help the community cope with the impact of a disaster.
The SES can help you with:
- Significant structural damage like collapsed roofs or ceilings
- Making temporary emergency repairs to homes and buildings
- Removing fallen trees that have damaged homes and cars
- Sandbagging areas in danger of flooding
- Pumping out flood water
- Rescuing trapped or injured people, and helping people relocate if they are in danger
The SES cannot help you with:
- Clearing debris and organising permanent repairs
- Attending to broken fences, trees that have fallen on fences or if there is debris around your property or in your pool
- Basic repairs that you can manage yourself
Always call triple zero (000) for fire and life-threatening emergencies.
How to call the SES
Call 132 500
There can be a high level of demand, so when you call, you must be patient and be prepared to wait.
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Tell them exactly where to come
- All requests are prioritised by urgency
- Major structural damage will be attended to first
- Avoid clogging up emergency hotlines with unrelated requests
Source: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/