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 was based on the philosophy of the State Counter Disaster Organisation Act 1975-78, the overarching legislation introduced to provide the framework for disaster management in Queensland.
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.
The Disaster Management Act which replaced the State Counter Disaster Organisation Act in early 2004 maintains the membership of the SES and supports its functions, for example to perform search, rescue and disaster related activities.
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.
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 communications
Structure of the SES
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