SA SES

The South Australian (SA) State Emergency Service (SES) is a volunteer-based organisation that responds to a wide range of emergencies and rescues across the state 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365-days a year. Primarily responsible for responding to extreme weather (including storms and extreme heat) and flooding events, the SES also responds to road crash, marine, swiftwater, vertical and confined space rescues.

The SES assists the South Australia Police (SAPOL) in land search operations and traffic management and plays an important support role to the Country Fire Service (CFS) during major bushfires. SES members - which currently number around 1700 - also devote considerable time helping raise the community's awareness of a range of natural hazards.

In a typical year, SES volunteers respond to around 10,000 calls for assistance from the South Australian community. Some of the busier Adelaide metropolitan units respond to hundreds of callouts each year. SES volunteers have saved the lives and property of countless South Australians since the early 1960s when it was known as the Civil Defence. Over the past 50 years the SES has morphed into a highly trained, responsive and effective emergency service agency with a key role in ensuring the safety of all South Australians. 

For life-threatening emergencies call 000.

For emergency flood or storm assistance call 132 500.

To become a SES volunteer submit our volunteer registration form.