In a life-threatening emergency
For assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami
For administrative or general enquiries
Mon - Fri between 8.30am - 4.30pm
For volunteering information
Access the Volunteer page to learn more
When to call NSW SES
During an emergency, is anyone trapped or injured?
If yes, call Triple Zero (000). If you answered no, assess your situation by answering the below questions.
If you answer yes to any of the below questions, call the NSW SES on 132 500.
Your request for assistance will be logged by our operations centre who will give you a reference number. Your request will then be forward onto the nearest SES unit for action.
- Has a fallen tree blocked access? i.e. front door/driveway/road
- Is a tree threatening to fall on your property or driveway?
- Is your roof damaged or leaking?
- Is there damage to your property that you cannot fix yourself?
If you answered no to the above questions,
please contact your insurance company or a private contractor to assess and complete the job, or repair it yourself if safe to do so.
Watch this short video if you are unsure of when and why to call the NSW SES on 132 500.
Sharon from our State Operations Centre explains when to call the NSW SES and when it's best to contact another agency.
What to do after logging a call with us
Assisting people in our communities who are overwhelmed by damage and impacts of national disasters as quickly as possible is important to all NSW SES volunteers.
- Make sure you keep your phone close by so we can easily contact you about your request for assistance.
- Stay away from any fallen trees and/or powerlines that may have been brought down in the storm.
- Follow any safety recommendations you are given by the NSW SES.
- NSW SES attends to request for assistance in a priority based order. A life threatening emergency will always be given immediate priority.
- NSW SES volunteers undertake temporary emergency measures to make your home and the situation safe. It is important that you contact either your insurance company or a private contractor ot make permanent repairs to damage resulting from a flood or storm or to remove any remaining debris.
- If you no longer require emergency assistance, call us on 132 500 quoting your reference number to cancel the request. This helps free up our emergency crews if you no longer need us.
PO BOX 6126
Wollongong NSW 2500
NSW SES State Headquarters can be contacted on (02) 4251 6111 for general enquiries.
If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service and request NSW SES.
Translation services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency who require an interpreter.
Useful pages
We've divided NSW into seven zones, with dedicated units to provide responsive services across the state.
Stay up to date with the latest from the NSW SES.
We are a community-based, not-for-profit organisation. Donations are gratefully appreciated and important in supporting our incredible volunteers.
Volunteer Association Raffles and Donations
The NSW State Emergency Service Volunteers Association is a not-for-profit registered charity that was established in 1998 to represent and support the volunteer members of the NSW State Emergency Service.
The Volunteers Association runs regular community raffles and coordinates donations with funds raised going towards the Volunteers and assisting the Volunteers Association in achieving its various objectives.
The NSW SES does NOT operate any raffles or automated direct debits. We are funded by multiple sources including NSW Government.
To find out more about the Volunteers Association, its donations and its raffles, visit the SES NSW VA Current Raffle