State Emergency Services and Assistance
The State Emergency Service (SES) is the control agency for flood, storm, tsunami and earthquake in Victoria, managing responses to these emergencies and helping communities to prepare through planning and education.
As well as operating the largest road crash rescue network in Australia, the SES also assist the Victoria Police in search and rescue operations and play an important support role during major bushfire responses.
Call 132 500 from anywhere in Australia for flood, storm, tsunami and earthquake emergency. For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000). Current emergency information is available by calling the VICSES Information Line on 1300 VICSES (that’s 1300 842 737). This service is only available during large-scale emergencies.
Emergency Management
Coordinating emergency preparation and response for flood, storm, tsunami and earthquake is the organisation’s primary role. SES Victorian Headquarters works with the regional offices to prepare and warn communities with public safety advice and emergency plans.
Flood response:
SES units sandbag to protect property and infrastructure from floods, as well as assisting Victoria Police with evacuations.
Storm response:
Following severe storms, SES units can provide temporary repairs—like tarping—to damaged structures and remove fallen trees and branches from properties.
Tsunami response:
SES units provide warnings and public advice, along with assisting evacuations and undertaking search and rescue following tsunamis.
Earthquake response:
Along with assisting in evacuations and temporary repairs, SES units undertake search and rescue following earthquakes.
