We Victorians take a strange pride in the variability and unpredictable nature of our weather.
But you may not have guessed just how much work goes in behind the scenes to prepare when those little digital storm clouds gather on the metaphorical horizon...
Usually it starts, like most VICSES operational activities, with a pager message. Yes, a pager, like you see on old school medical shows from the US. These days, we also have a mobile-based secondary alerting system called SAS (Supplementary Alerting System- we do love an acronym or two in the emergency services).
The message alerts the Unit Management Team that a regional weather briefing teleconference is scheduled. The latest weather intelligence information from the State Control Centre, was emailed earlier in the day and shared with members in our group chat platform.
Unit Controllers from across Central region are briefed by the Regional Agency Commander or Regional Duty Officer about the situation, discuss preparations and flag any issues. Any support or resources from other areas or agencies may also be discussed.
Then the Unit Controller sets up a briefing with the Unit members- and that's when local preparations get underway. Depending on their role, members might have a different focus for their preparations.
I'm thinking about what trucks are available? When did we last run full maintenance on the trucks and equipment? We need to check crew availability, and ensure we have someone that can open the ICP (Incident Control Point) if required.
"I consider my availability and the availability of my team. As well as the predicted conditions, whether that be high winds or large volumes of rain. These factors change the type of RFAs (Requests For Assistance) we may get.
"As LBSWR (Land Based Swift Water Rescue operator), I'll make sure my kit is ready and that we are aware of the conditions around us and where a call might potentially come from"
"I'll organise response crews on a roster to assist with fatigue management. Ensure we have enough trained members to assist in the ICP (Incident Control Point) where possible and that all vehicles and equipment are good to go. I'll maintain communication with the UDO's (Unit Duty Officers) in relation to potential deployment requests and working out which vehicles/members to release on potential deployment if required."
"For my Divisional Commander role, I ensure my IMT (Incident Management Team) folder is stocked and easily accessible if required. Check I have access to all required resources like (cross-agency software used to manage emergency incidents in Victoria) IMS, Em-COP, Fireweb etc. Ensure access to a potable radio in case one isn't supplied."
Support and understanding from family, friends and employers or clients is critical to our volunteers
Lindsay- Crew Member
What do I have to move to become available (to respond)? Am I close enough to the unit and ready to turn out in 8 minutes response time? Am I fed and in good health?
When I run out the door my partner yells out “I’m proud of you” even at 3am. Going into work after a long night out responding can be tough.
Ken- Crew Leader
Occasionally you have people who are surprised that we are all volunteers. Also the amount of training and skills maintenance that we do.
It can affect my social life although it is generally manageable. Biggest challenge is ensuring good health and wellbeing during long operations.
Tristyn- Crew Member
My partner has been very supportive and understanding of the commitments to the service and very patient of me leaving at odd hours of the day and night.
During weather events you can be called out multiple times a day or be handling RFAs for hours, This can be tricky to try balance personal relationships due to the need to be available during these events.
Alec - Crew Leader
I always have the support of my family and friends, even if sometimes they want to throw my pager against a wall
People would be surprised the scope that SES have especially at the Monash unit. We do more than just storm and flood jobs and on many occasions assist other agencies
Peter - Crew Member
It can be disruptive to social outings or school pickups of grandchildren, you find ways to try to work around those.
And we are often called on to support other areas, just as they will support Monash if needed. But of course, our amazing members wouldn't have it any other way. They love serving the community of Monash, being part of the team and learning new skills and experiences all the time.
So- think you've got what it takes to join the awesome team at Monash? We are currently looking for expressions of interest to join the amazing Red Team who respond during the week between 7am and 7pm and Yellow Team, made up of shift workers who have some daytime availability during the week but may vary week by week.
Email us at monash@ses.vic.gov.au to express your interest. We will be holding an information night at the Unit on Wednesday 12 January 2022, with basic training on the 26th & 27th Feb 2022.