The State Emergency Services (as it was then known) was formed in April 1955, following disastrous floods across NSW that had caused substantial loss of life and massive damage to property. The government of the day recognised the need for a body of trained and disciplined volunteers with good local knowledge who would be available at short notice to help the community during such disasters.

Later the same year, in view of the tense world situation at the time, the government decided there was a need for a civil defence organisation in the event of a nuclear attack. In September 1955, the two organisations merged under the leadership of Major General (later Sir) Ivan Dougherty. The new organisation was known as Civil Defence.

In 1972, the State Emergency Services and Civil Defence Act was passed by Parliament. This Act remained in force until 1989, when it was replaced by the State Emergency Service Act.

Currently the State Emergency Service is the most versatile and widely used rescue and public safety organisation in New South Wales. Over 10,000 volunteers spread all around the state help their communities during emergencies

Preparing for and coping with storms

Storms can happen anywhere and at any time of the year.

Storms are more common in most areas of New South Wales during storm season (from October to the end of March), but it is important to stay ready all year round.

Severe storms may cause major damage. They may be accompanied by torrential rain, strong winds, large hailstones and lightning. Storms can cause flash flooding, unroof buildings and damage trees and power lines.

You can also be indirectly affected by storms even if your property is not damaged. If access roads are cut or you have no power or telephone, you need to know what to do and where to turn to for help.

The SES is responsible for dealing with storms in New South Wales. This includes planning for them and educating people about how to protect themselves and their property. During a storm, SES volunteers are responsible for managing storm debris, providing access to homes and businesses, making temporary repairs to storm-damaged structures, giving storm-safety advice and rescuing people trapped or injured by storms.


Follow this link for information on preparing a Home Emergency Kit

SES StormSafe brochures are available in community languages.

Preparing for and coping with floods

Protecting your family and property from floods

Flooding causes an average of $128 million of damage in NSW annually. It is important to be aware of any flood risk that might exist where you live, where you have property and where you work.

Flooding is relatively high water levels which overtop the natural or artificial banks in any part of a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam local overland flooding associated with drainage before entering a watercourse. Flooding can also be coastal inundation resulting from storm induced elevated sea levels or large waves generated by storms or tsunamis.

Types of Flooding

The nature of flooding can vary dramatically in terms of cause, timing, and depth between different locations. Follow these links for information on the common types of flooding including Flash Flooding, Riverine Flooding and Other causes of flooding.

Because many homes, farms and businesses across metropolitan and rural areas of NSW are susceptible to flooding, the SES has developed FloodSafe resources for your family, residence, business and rural property that tell you how to be better prepared for floods.

Local and Generic FloodSafe Guides

There are FloodSafe Guides for many locations across NSW including the general NSW FloodSafe Guide and the NSW Rural FloodSafe Guide

Canterbury City Council and the SES have developed FloodSafe Guides in six different community languages which you can download by visiting the page FloodSafe Community Language Brochures.

Part of being FloodSafe is to prepare a Home Emergency Kit. Follow this link to find information on preparing a Home Emergency Kit.

Home Emergency Kit

Preparing a Home Emergency Kit Preparing a Home Emergency Kit
A Home Emergency Kit contains items that will assist you to respond better in any emergency.

Your Home Emergency Kit should contain:

* Portable radio with spare batteries
* Torch with spare batteries
* First aid kit (with supplies necessary for your household)
* Candles and waterproof matches
* Important papers including emergency contact numbers
* Copy of any Home Emergency Plans
* Waterproof bag for valuables

If you are required to leave your property, place in your Home Emergency Kit:

* A good supply of required medications
* Any special requirements for babies, the disabled, infirm and/or elderly
* Strong shoes
* Fresh food and drinks



Keep your Home Emergency Kit in a waterproof storage container.

On a regular basis, check (remember to check use-by dates on batteries and gloves) and re-stock items if you need to.

Also, keep a list of emergency numbers on your fridge.