About the SES

The State Emergency Service (SES) is a volunteer emergency service organisation which gives immediate assistance during emergencies and disasters. We also provide community response to 'day to day' incidents such as vehicle accidents, searches, cliff rescues, flood and storm damage situations and any other incidents that might require rescue or search services. 

The SES is part of a national network of similar services in each State and Territory around Australia. More than 1,600 SES Volunteers are members of 67 Units across South Australia (View location map of Units). Volunteers provide emergency response to the community of South Australia 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The SES also cooperates closely with other statutory emergency services and has storm and flood relief as responsibilities in State legislation. As the Hazard Leader and Control Agency for extreme weather in South Australia, the SES aims to increase community awareness and preparedness relating to extreme weather events. A well prepared community is better able to respond to and recover from an emergency.

To become an SES volunteer phone 1300 364 587 or visit the Join the SES page.

Disaster Management Services

Disaster Management Services comprises three State Emergency Service personnel who work together in Emergency Risk Management Planning and Training.

The Unit liaises with other government agencies such as Police and Emergency Services personnel and local government. They also work with SES Regional staff to research, develop and implement preventative strategies to help the community prepare for, and reduce the impact of, natural hazards such as flood and severe weather.

In addition, Disaster Management Services, in conjunction with Emergency Management Australia, conduct and advise on training courses and exercises for Police and Emergency Services personnel. Disaster Management Services also plays a support role in the State Emergency Centre.