EDITION 2012-13
MEDIA REFERENCE GUIDE
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
VICSES Media Line
Media representatives can contact the VICSES Media Line on 1300 783 933 between the hours of 6am
and 10pm, seven days a week. Between 10pm and 6am you will be given the option to leave a non-urgent
message for the State Media Duty Officer. For urgent enquiries, please call back from 6am. During large-scale
emergencies, the VICSES Media Line will be available 24 hours.
Quick Reference Guide
Incident
Control Agency
Key Support Agencies
Flood
Storm
Tsunami
Earthquake
Fire
Road Crash Rescue
Search and Rescue
General Rescue
Evidence Searches
SES
SES
SES
SES
MFB, CFA, DSE
VICPOL
VICPOL
VICPOL
VICPOL
BoM
BoM
BoM
Geoscience Australia
SES, BoM
SES, CFA, MFB
SES
SES, CFA, MFB
SES
(Primary Comment)
(Secondary Comment)
When SES is the control agency, spokespeople can generally comment on:
„„ Overall response activities
„„ The location of affected areas
„„ Type of damage
„„ The number of SES units active
„„ The type of roles being undertaken by volunteers
„„ Rescues
„„ Evacuation advice
SES spokespeople cannot generally comment on:
„„ Causes of accidents, incidents or emergencies
„„ Deaths or injuries
„„ Financial value of damage
Things to keep in mind when reporting on SES:
„„ SES personnel should be referred to as ‘SES volunteers’ rather than ‘SES workers’ or ‘SES members’.
„„ Key safety messages are an important part of SES media releases and information – please include them where possible to help keep the community safe.
„„ Where possible, ensure vision and images accompanying SES media items are consistent with SES information and do not undermine current emergency information or safety messages, e.g. displaying an image of someone driving, walking or riding through floodwater.
VICSES Media Reference guide
2
CONTENTS
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VICSES MEDIA LINE
2
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
2
FOREWORD4
SOCIAL MEDIA
4
BACKGROUND5
SES CORE ROLES
6
„„ FLOOD6
„„ STORM9
„„ UNIT LISTING
11
„„ REGION / UNIT MAP
12
„„ SES CORE ROLES (CoNT.)
14
„„ EARTHQUAKE14
„„ TSUNAMI16
„„ SES SUPPORT ROLES
19
„„ BUSHFIRE19
„„ PERSONS Search
19
„„ ROAD RESCUE 20
„„ GENERAL RESCUE
20
„„ EVIDENCE SEARCH 21
„„ key VICTORIAN media contacts
22
„„ key INTERSTATE SES media contacts
23
VICSES Media Reference guide
3
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
The Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) sees the media as a vital partner in emergency management and
values the important role the media has in informing and warning communities.
We believe the media should be treated with courtesy and respect, and should be given reasonable
assistance to inform communities of incidents, emergencies and disasters involving an SES response.
The partnership between SES and the media includes:
„„ Ensuring the community is well informed during incidents and emergencies
„„ Promoting community safety and awareness
„„ Recognising the role and achievements of SES volunteers
„„ Communicating the work of SES and our partner agencies
„„ Providing timely and accurate information to the media during an incident
SES runs a fully operational Media and Community Information Unit to assist media representatives with
news, information and spokespeople. The State Media Duty Officer can be contacted between 6am and
10pm seven days a week by calling 1300 783 933. During large-scale emergencies, the VICSES Media Line
will be available 24 hours.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow SES from every angle by joining our rapidly expanding online social network:
Facebook - facebook.com/vicses
Twitter - @vicsesnews
Twitter - @vicseswarnings
YouTube - youtube.com/vicsestv
SoundCloud - soundcloud.com/vicses
These networks are not monitored 24/7 unless otherwise stated.
VICSES Media Reference guide
4
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
The Victoria State Emergency Service is a volunteer-based, professional emergency services organisation
that ensures the safety of Victorian communities by responding to emergencies and disasters across the
state.
SES is the control agency in Victoria for responding to flood, storm, earthquake and tsunami, and also
provides road crash rescue response in outer metropolitan and country areas of Victoria.
There are more than 5,500 dedicated and committed SES volunteers across the state who provide these
services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure the safety of Victorian communities.
SES also plays an important role in supporting Victoria’s emergency management arrangements by assisting
municipal councils and other agencies with the provision of advice, information, education and training in
relation to emergency management. SES is also required to audit Municipal Emergency Management Plans
every three years.
SES is represented on all major emergency management committees at national, state and regional levels
and contributes significantly to the development of emergency management policy.
VICSES Media Reference guide
5
SES CORE ROLES FLOOD
SES Core Roles – Flood
Safe
SES Flood Roles
Preparedness
„„ Providing community education activities to raise community preparedness for floods
„„ Developing and maintaining a State Flood Emergency Plan
„„ Developing and maintaining Regional Flood Emergency Plans as appropriate
„„ Providing advice regarding input into Municipal Flood Emergency Management Plans
Response
„„ Control agency for flood response
„„ Providing public information and warnings including public safety advice
„„ Protecting property and critical infrastructure
„„ Interpreting available flood intelligence
„„ Performing flood rescues
„„ Providing temporary repairs to affected properties
„„ Controlling rapid impact assessment of areas likely to be affected by flooding
„„ Assisting with resupply of isolated properties and/or communities
„„ Assisting levee managers to organise temporary repairs or improvements to levees
„„ Issuing evacuation advice and supporting Victoria Police with those who choose to evacuate
Media Commentary
SES is the control agency for floods in Victoria, and all media enquiries relating to flood operations should be
directed to the VICSES Media Line (1300 783 933).
SES will generally be able to provide a spokesperson for comment. We will endeavour to provide a local
volunteer Media Liaison Officer when appropriate.
SES may comment on the following:
„„ Overall response activities
„„ The location of areas affected
„„ Damage
„„ The number of SES units active
„„ Current and expected river levels (in conjunction with the Bureau of Meteorology)
„„ Areas inundated
„„ Rescues
„„ Evacuations
SES is not able to comment on:
„„ Deaths or injuries
„„ Financial value of damage
VICSES Media Reference guide
6
„„ Flooding can occur from a number of causes including flash flooding, riverine flooding, storm surge,
coastal erosion, tsunami, dam failure and burst water mains.
„„ Floods cost Victorian communities an average of $465 million each year.
„„ An estimated 150,000 homes and businesses have a 1% chance of being flooded in any one year.
Types of Flooding
SES CORE ROLES FLOOD
Flood Facts
Riverine Flooding
In riverine flooding, relatively high water levels overtop the natural or artificial banks of a stream or river.
The nature of riverine flooding can vary significantly in terms of cause, timing and depth between different
locations. Coastal rivers with short, steep headwaters often have floods that rise and recede quickly. Inland
rivers with low gradients have floods that move slowly down the river, sometimes lasting for several months.
Flash Flooding
Flash flooding is a rapid rise in water over a short period of time that does not usually last more than a
few hours. Flash floods are generally defined as developing in six hours or less from rainfall to the onset of
flooding.
Dam Failure
Although dam failures are rare, their effects can be significant. In Victoria dam safety is monitored and
warning arrangements are in place to warn downstream residents of potential dam failure threats. Should
dam failure occur, significant downstream flooding with potentially swift flowing water and high amounts
of debris can occur.
Storm Surge
Storm surge occurs when sea levels are elevated above the usual tidal limit due to the action of intense low
pressure systems over the open ocean. The low pressure causes sea level to rise as there is less air pressing
down on the sea, and combined with gale force onshore winds can lead to flooding of low-lying coastal
land.
Flood Warnings
SES and the Bureau of Meteorology work together to warn the community about flooding.
For locations where the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Flood Warning or Flood Watch, SES issues a
Flood Bulletin.
A Flood Bulletin provides information on the consequences of the flooding predicted in the Flood Warning
or Flood Watch, and actions that the public should undertake.
Flood Bulletins are issued by the relevant SES regional office in the affected area. Flood Bulletins are sent to
media outlets and are posted on the SES website.
VICSES Media Reference guide
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SES CORE ROLES FLOOD
Flood Watch
A Flood Watch notifies the community in specific regions of a potential flood threat from a developing
weather situation.
A Flood Watch is issued 24-36 hours in advance of any likely flooding, and means a flood is possible in those
areas. People living, camping or working along rivers or streams should regularly check weather forecasts,
rainfall and river level information and be ready to take action.
Flood Warnings – Minor, Moderate and Major
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or is already happening. It includes prediction of river
height and peak and estimate the time that the river height will reach certain level (minor, moderate or major)
and peak at identified prediction locations. When flood warnings are issued, people in low-lying areas prone to
flooding need to activate their flood emergency plan immediately.
For further information about flood warnings, visit bom.gov.au/vic/warnings
Key Safety Messages for Flood
Before the Flood
„„ Listen to emergency broadcasters for warnings and advice.
„„ Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches, or move them to higher ground.
„„ If possible, make sure your family and neighbours are aware of the situation.
During the Flood
„„ Listen to emergency broadcasters for warnings and advice.
„„ Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
„„ Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater.
After the Flood
„„ Be aware of road hazards such as mud, debris and damaged roads and bridges.
„„ Check your home or building for damage before you re-enter.
„„ If your home has been flooded, all electrical and gas appliances should be checked by a licensed technician before you use them.
For a full list of key messages, visit ses.vic.gov.au/floodsafe
For current emergency information and warnings, visit ses.vic.gov.au/warnings
VICSES Media Reference guide
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SES CORE ROLES STORM
SES Core Roles – Storm
SES Storm Roles
Preparedness
„„ Providing community education activities to raise community preparedness for storms
„„ Developing and maintaining a State Storm Emergency Plan
„„ Developing and maintaining Regional Storm Emergency Plans as appropriate
„„ Providing advice regarding input into Municipal Emergency Management Plans for Storms
Response
„„ Control agency for storm response
„„ Providing public information and warnings including public safety advice
„„ Rescuing of persons entrapped by collapsed structures
„„ Protecting of property and critical infrastructure
„„ Providing temporary repairs to affected properties
„„ Issuing evacuation advice and supporting Victoria Police with those who choose to evacuate
Media Commentary
SES is the control agency for storms in Victoria, and all media enquiries relating to storm operations should
be directed to the VICSES Media Line (1300 783 933).
SES will generally be able to provide a spokesperson for comment. We will endeavour to provide a local
volunteer Media Liaison Officer when appropriate.
SES may comment on the following:
„„ Overall response activities
„„ The location of areas affected
„„ Type and location of damage
„„ The number of SES units active
„„ Rescues
„„ Evacuations
SES is not able to comment on:
„„ Deaths or injuries
„„ Financial value of damage
VICSES Media Reference guide
9
SES CORE ROLES STORM
Storm Facts
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Storms can happen anywhere, at any time of year.
Storms can be accompanied by torrential rain, strong winds, large hailstones and lightning.
Storms cost Victorian communities an average of $28 million each year.
Storms caused $1.1 billion in loss and damages across Victoria in 2011.
Storm Warnings
SES and the Bureau of Meteorology work together to provide storm warnings to the community.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
While we experience many thunderstorms, some more intense thunderstorms are categorised as severe.
Severe thunderstorms can cause significant localised damage by action of damaging wind gusts, large hail,
tornadoes or flash flooding. Warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology to alert communities of the
threat of these more dangerous thunderstorms.
Severe Weather Warning
This warning is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when severe weather is expected that is not directly
related to severe thunderstorms, tropical cyclones or bushfires. Examples include land gales, squalls, flashflooding, dangerous surf or tides.
For further information about storm warnings, visit bom.gov.au/vic/warnings
Key Safety Messages for Storm
Before the Storm
„„ Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured.
„„ If it is safe to do so, check gutters, downpipes and drains are not blocked.
„„ Park your car undercover and away from trees.
During the Storm
„„ Stay indoors and away from windows.
„„ If outdoors, shelter away from drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
„„ Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
„„ Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater.
After the Storm
„„ Check your home and property for damage.
„„ Keep clear of damaged buildings, powerlines and trees.
„„ Be aware of road hazards such as floodwater, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
For a full list of key messages, visit ses.vic.gov.au/stormsafe
For current emergency information and warnings, visit ses.vic.gov.au/warnings
VICSES Media Reference guide
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UNIT LISTING
Unit Listing
In addition to the municipally based units, Victoria SES has nine Regional Support Units (highlighted in bold
below) and a State Support Unit.
Central
East
Mid West
North East
North West
South West
Altona
Brimbank
Broadmeadows
Central RHQ
Support
Chelsea
Craigieburn
Croydon
Doncaster
Eltham
Emerald
Essendon
Footscray
Frankston
French Island
Hastings
Healesville
Knox
Lilydale
Malvern
Melton
Moorabbin
Narre Warren
Northcote
Nunawading
Oakleigh
Pakenham
Sorrento
Springvale
St Kilda
Sunbury
Upper Yarra
Waverley
Whittlesea
Wyndham
Wyndham West
Bairnsdale
Bendoc
Bruthen
Buchan
Cann River
East Office
Support
East RHQ Support
Erica
Foster
Inverloch
Leongatha
Loch Sport
Maffra
Mallacoota
Moe
Morwell
Orbost
Phillip Island
Rosedale
Sale
San Remo
Stratford
Swifts Creek
Warragul
Wonthaggi
Yarram
Ararat
Bacchus Marsh
Ballarat
Dimboola
Edenhope
Goroke
Hepburn Shire
Horsham
Kaniva
Mid West RHQ
Support
Nhill
Rupanyup
St Arnaud
Stawell
Warracknabeal
Alexandra
Beechworth
Benalla
Bright
Chiltern
Cobram
Corryong
Euroa
Falls Creek
Kilmore
Kinglake
Mansfield
Marysville
Mitta Mitta
Murchison
Myrtleford
North East RHQ
Support
Numurkah
Rutherglen
Seymour
Tallangatta
Tatura
Wangaratta
Wodonga
Yackandandah
Yarrawonga
Bendigo
Birchip
Castlemaine
Dunolly
Echuca
Gisborne
Heathcote
Kerang
Kyabram
Marong
Maryborough
Mildura
Murrayville
North West Office
Support
North West RHQ
Support
Ouyen
Robinvale
Rochester
Rushworth
Swan Hill
Wedderburn
Woodend
Woomelang
Wycheproof
Balmoral
Bannockburn
Bellarine
Camperdown
Cobden
Colac
Corio
Dartmoor
Dunkeld
Geelong
Hamilton
Heywood
Lismore
Lorne
Mortlake
Otway
Port Campbell
Port Fairy
Portland
South Barwon
South West Office
Support
South West RHQ
Support
Terang
Torquay
Warrnambool
Winchelsea
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Central = Melbourne Metropolitan
East = Gippsland
Mid West = Grampians
North East = Hume
North West = Loddon-Mallee
South West = Barwon South West
VICSES Media Reference guide
11
REGION / UNIT MAP
North West Region
Mid West Region
South West Region
Central Region
VICSES Media Reference guide
12
Map is for indicative use only. Please ensure ALL media enquiries are directed to the VICSES Media Line on
1300 783 933 in the first instance.
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Central = Melbourne Metropolitan
East = Gippsland
Mid West = Grampians
North East = Hume
North West = Loddon-Mallee
South West = Barwon South West
REGION / UNIT MAP
Region and Unit Locations
North East Region
East Region
VICSES Media Reference guide
13
SES CORE ROLES EARTHQUAKE
SES Core Roles – Earthquake
SES Earthquake Roles
Preparedness:
„„ Providing community education activities to raise community preparedness for earthquakes
„„ Developing and maintaining State and Regional Earthquake Emergency Plans
„„ Providing advice and input into Municipal Emergency Management Plans for earthquake
„„ Contributing to forums and research regarding earthquakes, including reviews of building codes and
earthquake risk assessments
Response:
„„ Control agency for earthquake response
„„ Providing damage control operations to limit danger to the public following an earthquake
„„ Undertaking urban search and rescue following an earthquake
„„ Protecting property and critical infrastructure
„„ Providing temporary repairs to affected properties
„„ Providing information and warnings including public safety advice to the community
„„ Issuing evacuation advice and supporting Victoria Police with those who choose to evacuate
Media Commentary
SES is the control agency for earthquake in Victoria, and all media enquiries relating to earthquake
operations should be directed to the VICSES Media Line (1300 783 933).
SES will generally be able to provide a spokesperson for comment. We will endeavour to provide a local
volunteer Media Liaison Officer when appropriate.
SES may comment on the following:
„„ Overall response activities
„„ The location of areas affected
„„ Type and location of damage
„„ The number of SES units active
„„ Rescues
„„ Evacuations
SES is not able to comment on:
„„ Deaths or injuries
„„ Financial value of damage
VICSES
VICSES
Media
Media
Reference
Reference
guide
guide1414
„„ An earthquake is the shaking and vibration at the surface of Earth caused by underground movement
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along a fault plane or by volcanic activity.
Unlike other countries such as Japan, New Zealand and Indonesia, Australia lies in the centre of a
tectonic plate not on a boundary where large earthquakes can occur, however, damaging and deadly
earthquakes can still occur in Australia.
Adelaide has the highest earthquake hazard of any Australian capital.
There are on average 200 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or more in Australia each year.
About every five years there is a potentially disastrous earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or more.
SES CORE ROLES EARTHQUAKE
Earthquake Facts
Earthquake Warnings
There is no accepted method to predict earthquakes, however, some regions are more prone to earthquakes
than others due to their proximity to earthquake faults.
Geoscience Australia monitors seismic data from over 60 stations on the Australian National Seismic Network
and over 130 stations worldwide.
For further information about earthquakes, visit ga.gov.au/earthquakes
Key Safety Messages for Earthquake
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If indoors, drop to the ground, take cover and hold on until the shaking stops.
Be aware that aftershocks could occur and may cause further damage.
Check for injuries among your family and neighbours and administer First Aid.
Check for hazards or damage in and around your home.
If your home is damaged, turn off the power, gas and water at the mains.
Do not re-enter damaged buildings.
Remaining in a damaged building after an earthquake is dangerous and may put your life at risk.
Do not phone triple-zero (000) or other emergency services for general advice.
For a full list of key messages, visit ses.vic.gov.au/quakesafe
For current emergency information and warnings, visit ses.vic.gov.au/warnings
VICSES
VICSES
Media
Media
Reference
Reference
guide
guide1515
SES CORE ROLES tsunami
SES Core Roles – Tsunami
SES Tsunami Roles
Preparedness
„„ Providing community education activities to raise community preparedness for tsunami
„„ Developing and maintaining State and Regional Tsunami Emergency Plan
„„ Providing advice and input into Municipal Emergency Management Plans for earthquake
„„ Contributing to forums and research regarding tsunami, including reviews of building codes and
tsunami risk assessments
Response
„„ Control agency for tsunami response
„„ Providing damage control operations to limit danger to the public following a tsunami
„„ Undertaking search and rescue following a tsunami
„„ Protecting property and critical infrastructure
„„ Providing temporary repairs to affected properties
„„ Providing public information and warnings including public safety advice
„„ Issuing evacuation advice and supporting Victoria Police with those who choose to evacuate
Media Commentary
SES is the control agency for tsunami in Victoria, and all media enquiries relating to tsunami operations
should be directed to the VICSES Media Line (1300 783 933).
SES will generally be able to provide a spokesperson for comment. We will endeavour to provide a local
volunteer Media Liaison Officer when appropriate.
SES may comment on the following:
„„ Overall response activities
„„ The location of areas affected
„„ Type and location of damage
„„ The number of SES units active
„„ Rescues
„„ Evacuations
SES is not able to comment on:
„„ Deaths or injuries
„„ Financial value of damage
VICSES
VICSES
Media
Media
Reference
Reference
guide
guide1616
SES CORE ROLES tsunami
Tsunami Facts
Tsunami are a series of waves generated by any of the following:
„„ Vertical movement of the sea floor after a large earthquake
„„ Submarine or coastal volcanic eruptions
„„ Meteor impacts
„„ Coastal landslides and slumps, either land-based or submarine.
„„ The coast of Victoria has been affected by tsunami before. The largest tsunami to affect Victoria in
recent times occurred in May 1960 after a 9.5 magnitude earthquake in Chile.
„„ While the overall tsunami risk to Victorian communities is lower than it is for many parts of the world, a
tsunami can still impact the Victorian coast.
„„ A small tsunami can result in unusual tides or currents that can be dangerous to swimmers and
berthed boats.
„„ A large tsunami can cause widespread flooding and destruction, and can cause strong rips and
currents for days after the initiating earthquake.
Tsunami Warnings
The official tsunami warning centre for Australia is the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre. The Centre is
operated by the Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia, and was established to provide Australia
with an independent capability to detect, monitor, verify and warn the community of tsunami threats.
National No Threat Bulletin
This bulletin advises people that an undersea earthquake has been assessed, and that no tsunami threat exists.
National or State/Territory Tsunami Watch
This warning advises people that a possible tsunami threat may exist and that they should look out for further
updates.
State/Territory Tsunami Warning
This warning advises people that a tsunami threat does exist and describes the action they should take.
Tsunami Warnings have two categories of threat:
„„ Marine Environment Threat – the tsunami will mainly affect the marine environment for specific coastal
areas
„„ Land Inundation Threat – the tsunami may cause land flooding, dangerous waves and strong ocean
currents for low-lying coastal areas.
For further information about tsunami, visit bom.gov.au/tsunami
VICSES Media Reference guide
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SES CORE ROLES tsunami
Tsunami Watch/Warning Cancellation
This advises people that the main threat has passed, or has not eventuated.
Key Safety Messages for Tsunami
Marine Tsunami
„„ Get out of the water and move away from the edge of harbours, beaches, estuaries and rock
platforms.
„„ Return all boats to shore, secure them and move away from the waterfront.
„„ Move any vessels already at deep water well offshore and remain there until further notice.
„„ Do not go to the coast or headlands to watch the tsunami.
Land Tsunami
„„ Move to higher ground immediately, at least ten metres above sea level.
„„ If you cannot leave the area, take shelter as high as possible in a sturdy brick or concrete
multi-storey building.
„„ If possible, move at least one kilometre away from all beaches, harbours and estuaries.
„„ Where possible, walk to safety to avoid traffic jams.
„„ Do not go to the coast or headlands to watch the tsunami.
For a full list of key messages, visit ses.vic.gov.au/tsunamisafe
For current emergency information and warnings, visit ses.vic.gov.au/warnings
VICSES
VICSESMedia
MediaReference
Referenceguide
guide
18
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SES SUPPORT ROLES
SES Support Roles
BUSHFIRE
Control Agencies
„„Country Fire Authority
„„Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board
„„Department of Sustainability and Environment
SES Role
SES plays an important support role during major
bushfire responses. Tasks that SES volunteers may
undertake include:
„„Staging area management
„„Traffic management
„„Lighting
PERSONS SEARCH
Control Agency
„„Victoria Police
SES Role
SES may assist Victoria Police in searches for lost or
missing persons.
Tasks that SES volunteers may undertake include:
„„Providing trained personal to undertake searches
„„Lighting
„„Communications
SES Media Commentary – Bushfire
SES Media Commentary – Persons Search
SES is NOT able to comment on:
„„The location or size of a fire
„„The projected impact or path of a fire
„„Progress of the operation
„„Deaths or injuries
SES is NOT able to comment on:
„„Progress of the operation
„„The cause of an accident or incident
„„Deaths or injuries
„„Personal details of the missing person
SES may only advise:
„„That it is assisting a bushfire operation
„„The type of roles being undertaken by volunteers
„„The number of SES units and volunteers assisting
the operation
SES may only advise:
„„That it is participating in a search operation
„„The type of roles being undertaken
„„The number of SES units and volunteers assist
ing the operation
In the first instance, all media enquiries should
be directed to CFA Media.
In the first instance, all media enquiries should
be directed to Victoria Police Media.
VICSES
VICSES Media
Media Reference
Reference guide
guide
19
SES SUPPORT ROLES
SES Support Roles
ROAD RESCUE
GENERAL RESCUE
Control Agency
Control Agency
„„ Victoria Police
„„ Victoria Police
SES Role
SES Role
SES is the largest provider of road crash rescue
in Victoria. Each road accident rescue unit is
responsible for a given area of responsibility, and can
call on the nearest backup unit for more equipment
or resources. Victoria Police are the control agency
for all road accidents in Victoria.
SES volunteers are trained in general rescue,
including urban search and rescue, and provide
assistance to Victoria Police in a number of rescue
situations.
Approximately 100 SES units across the state that are
accredited in road crash rescue.
SES volunteers who perform road crash rescue
operations undergo rigorous training and are
equipped with specialised vehicles and equipment.
Tasks that SES volunteers may undertake include:
„„Removing trapped people from vehicles
„„Assisting ambulance services
„„Lighting
„„Traffic control
SES may be requested by the police to assist in the
following events:
„„Building collapse
„„Animal rescue
„„Industrial accidents
„„Rail accidents
„„Aircraft accidents
Tasks that SES volunteers may undertake include:
„„Undertaking rescues of trapped people
„„Lighting
„„Communications
„„Other general assistance as directed
SES Media Commentary – Road Rescue
SES Media Commentary – General Rescue
SES is not able to comment on:
„„The cause of the accident
„„Deaths and injuries
„„Progress of rescue
SES is not able to comment on:
„„The cause of the incident
„„Deaths or injuries
„„Progress of the operation
SES may only advise:
„„That it is attending an accident scene
„„The type of roles being undertaken by volunteers
„„The number of SES units and volunteers assisting
the operation
SES may only advise:
„„That it is attending an incident scene
„„The type of roles being undertaken by volunteers
„„The number of SES units and volunteers assisting
the operation
In the first instance, all media enquiries should be
directed to Victoria Police Media.
In the first instance, all media enquiries should be
directed to Victoria Police Media.
VICSES
VICSES
Media
Media
Reference
Reference
guide
guide 2020
SES SUPPORT ROLES
SES Support Roles
EVIDENCE SEARCH
Lead Agency
„„ Victoria Police
SES Role
SES assists Victoria Police in searches for evidence of crimes.
Tasks that SES volunteers may undertake include:
„„ Providing trained personnel to undertake searches
„„ Lighting
„„ Communications
SES Media Commentary – Evidence Search
SES is not able to comment on:
„„ The circumstances surrounding the search or investigation
„„ The object/s sought
„„ Progress of the search
SES may only advise:
„„ That it is participating in a search operation
„„ The type of roles being undertaken by volunteers
„„ The number of SES units and volunteers assisting the operation
In the first instance, all media enquiries should be
directed to Victoria Police Media.
VICSES
VICSESMedia
MediaReference
Referenceguide
guide
21
21
KEY VICTORIAN MEDIA CONTACTS
key VICTORIAN media contacts
VICSES Media Line
Media representatives can contact the VICSES Media Line on 1300 783 933 between the hours of 6am
and 10pm, seven days a week. Between 10pm and 6am you will be given the option to leave a non-urgent
message for the State Media Duty Officer. For urgent enquiries, please call back from 6am. During largescale emergencies, the VICSES Media Line will be available 24 hours.
VICSES Media Line: 1300 783 933 (6am - 10pm, seven days)
Email:
[email protected]
Switchboard:
(03) 9684 6666
Fax:(03) 9684 6659
Website: ses.vic.gov.au
Other Victorian Emergency Services Media Contacts
Ambulance Victoria (AV)
(03) 9848 7343 (6am - 11pm, seven days)
Country Fire Authority (CFA)
(03) 5330 3124 (24 hours)
Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB)
(03) 9665 4699 (6am - 10pm, seven days)
Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE)
1300 134 444
Victoria Police (VICPOL)
(03) 9247 5206 (24 hours)
Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
(03) 9669 4984
VICSES Media Reference guide
22
KEY INTERSTATE MEDIA CONTACTS
key INTERSTATE media contacts
Interstate SES Media Contacts
Australian Capital Territory
ACT SES media enquiries are handled by the ACT Emergency Services Authority.
Media Officer:
(02) 6207 8564 (24 hours)
Switchboard:(02) 6207 8400
New South Wales
NSW SES media enquiries are handled by a Media Duty Officer.
Media Officer:
(02) 4225 7500 (24 hours)
Switchboard:(02) 4251 6111
Northern Territory
NT SES media enquiries are handled by the Police and Emergency Services Media Unit.
Media Officer:
0417 770 686 (7am - 10pm, seven days)
Switchboard:(08) 8895 8804
Queensland
QLD SES media enquiries are handled by the Department of Community Safety Media and Corporate
Communications Unit.
Media Officer:
(07) 3635 3310
Switchboard:13 QGOV (7468)
South Australia
SA SES media enquiries are handled by a Media Duty Officer.
Media Officer:
(08) 8211 6176
Switchboard:(08) 8463 4171
Tasmania
TAS SES media enquiries are handled by the Department of Police and Emergency Management.
Manager Community Safety:
(03) 6230 2709
Switchboard:(03) 6230 2700
Western Australia
WA SES media enquiries are handled by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority Media and Public
Affairs Unit.
Media Officer: (08) 9225 5955
Switchboard:(08) 9323 9300
VICSES Media Reference guide
23
ses.vic.gov.au