SES gear up for summer

Gearing up for a practice session on November 9, SES crews urged the public to do the same.

Rockingham Kwinana SES operations manager Dave Beard said preparation was key to averting tragedy from fires.

‘‘Tonight we are performing a chopper exercise, to prepare us for working around the helitack choppers used to fight fires,’’ he said.

Mr Beard said that although exciting for some people, getting too close to helicopters as they were filling with water created a dangerous situation.

‘‘When people stand too close, it not only jeopardises the safety of that person but it also puts the chopper pilot in danger as well,’’ he said.

Wednesday marked the annual Wear Orange Wednesday as part of National SES Week, held from November 7 to 13.

On the same day, the skills of the State’s SES men and women volunteers were on show at Perth’s Belltower to acknowledge their role in assisting the public with natural disasters.

Emergency Services Minister Rob Johnson said this year the SES had faced many callouts.

‘‘Over the past year, they have faced the devastating floods in Carnarvon, widespread flooding in the Kimberley and Goldfields, and destructive thunderstorms in Perth, Northam and York,’’ he said.

Mr Beard said although his crew didn’t attend the day, it was good to see that it had been organised again in recognition of the SES.

There are 65 SES units throughout WA, and Statewide, volunteers have responded to more than 560 incidents so far this year.