THE Port Stephens SES have been busy responding to calls due to the east coast low.

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A spokesperson for the unit told News Of The Area, “At around 1300 yesterday Port Stephens SES began receiving calls for multiple jobs that included flooding, water ingress, flood rescue, vehicles in water, livestock assessments, water entering churches, houses and businesses.

“Within 30 minutes, we had five separate teams in the field supporting and responding to incidents affecting members of our community in their time of need.”

The unit responded to jobs which came in from multiple areas across the Port Stephens area, including Medowie, Williamtown, Raymond Terrace, Hinton, Fullerton Cove and Karuah.

The unit also provided in excess of 300 sand bags to members of the public which were in addition to the 100 sand bags that the unit deployed and used with our flood and storm teams.

“It is important to remember that we are part of a brilliant and supportive organisation and this includes the provision of training in all manner of activities and equipment use,” the spokesperson said.

Members are trained in working at heights, chainsaw, flood rescue, flood boat operations, road crash rescue, vehicle operations, equipment maintenance, communications, field command and more.

Port Stephens SES comprises of just over 70 members, all of whom come together to assist our community in times of storm, flood, road crash, industrial and domestic rescue.

The unit has a small fleet of vehicles and currently have a Heavy Rescue (PTS47), Medium Rescue (PTS45), Medium 4WD Rescue (PTS46), Light Rescue / Flood Rescue (PTS42) and Light Storm vehicle (PTS31).

There is a job for everyone in the SES.

In the operations team, heavy vehicle drivers, chainsaw operators, storm technicians, flood boat operators, floodwater rescue technicians, road crash rescue operators and other specialist skills such as large animal rescue operations.

In the administrative and leadership team (including the Incident Management Group) there are members specialising in radio operations, job tasking, planning, logistics, welfare (sustenance), social media, incident command, safety management, finance, HR and facilities.

Port Stephens SES are looking for committed people to join our team who are willing to get in and give it a go and allow us to help you make a real difference to people’s lives in our community.

By Marian SAMPSON