Prepare for an emergency

Local Flood Guides


Find your Local Flood Guide to understand your local flood risk and be better prepared during a flood emergency.
 

Learn more >

Storm preparedness


Storms can occur anywhere and at any time. Things you can do to make sure you and your property stay safe during storms.

Learn more  >

Plan and stay safe


Understand warnings and plan for emergencies at home, at work, and at school.
 

Plan ahead  >

Flood and storm emergencies call 132 500
Life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000)

Building safer communities together

Join us: Become a volunteer

Our volunteers are the backbone of our organisation, and come from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds. We respond to support our communities during floods, storms, rescues, and much more, every day of the year. 

Make a difference, and become a VICSES volunteer.
 

Be Storm Smart

Every year, VICSES responds to thousands of storm-related emergency calls for assistance.

Preparing for a storm is easy with the right advice. Our VICSES volunteers are here to help you learn how to protect your home.

 

Community Matters

Community Matters delivers key information and updates from across VICSES.

Highlights from this issue include our biggest Women in Rescue event, Wear Orange Wednesday 2025, and 50 years of VICSES Gala.

Download your FREE edition here >

Celebrating 50 Years of VICSES

VICSES has a rich historical past. In 1950, we were first established as a volunteer - based Civil Defence Organisation. 

Since 1975, VICSES has grown to include over 5,000 volunteers and more than 350 staff.

Read more>

2024 VICSES Showreel

VICSES is excited to unveil its 2024 year in review TV media showreel.

Highlighting the variety of remarkable contributions VICSES members have made to their communities during the 2024 calendar year. 

Watch now > 

Latest News

State Controllers Seminar sees VICSES members celebrated for service
VICSES personnel from across Victoria gather to share experiences, celebrate outstanding achievement of members.
Alpine volunteers expand on emergency response capacity
VICSES Falls Creek Unit volunteers build vital skills to be able to respond to emergencies 365 days a year.
Volunteers hone search and rescue skills in major exercise at Lake Eppalock
VICSES volunteers bolster marine rescue capability and strengthen interagency partnerships through regional training event.
Service during major emergencies recognised with limited pin
The 2021 storms and 2022/23 floods saw volunteers respond to more than 36,000 requests for assistance across Victoria.
Grampians region volunteers recognised for exemplary service
“The dedication our volunteers show to their community is admirable, and these awards are a small token of our appreciation.”
Millenium of service recognised at VICSES Hume Region event
“To celebrate the more than 1,000 years of volunteer service this cohort has given to the region was a special opportunity."
Unique ceremony honours service of VICSES Craigieburn Unit volunteers
“Both have given so much to the VICSES Craigieburn Unit, and are richly deserving of their life membership.”
Gippsland volunteers highlighted for years of VICSES commitment
“Across Gippsland, our members show incredible commitment to improving emergency preparedness and are always there to provide support in times of need.
VICSES heroes honoured with Emergency Services Medals
Decades of outstanding service of volunteer trio acknowledged in 2025 King's Birthday Honours.
VICSES volunteers build emergency resilience at Amazon forums
“Events such as these play an important role in our community are aware and able to access emergency assistance when required."
Show your support to SES volunteers this Wear Orange Wednesday
“With over 35,000 calls for assistance in the past year alone, it’s clear our volunteers are more vital than ever."
VICSES volunteers strengthen readiness through successful multi-agency exercise in Wallington
“Exercise Mabon provided a realistic exercise environment, allowing agencies to work together under pressure and test procedures."
VICSES Loddon Mallee volunteers celebrated for ongoing service
“VICSES is very fortunate to have such a wealth of experience among its volunteer-base."
Cluster training initiative builds bonds among northeast volunteer-base
“We know our neighbouring crews now, we know their trucks and we know how they operate"
VICSES shines spotlight on service of metropolitan volunteers
Victoria State Emergency Service volunteers from metropolitan Melbourne heralded for years of commitment to serving communities.
VICSES Ballarat Unit’s Gordon Hicks honoured with inaugural community hero award
“Ballarat is a fantastic place to volunteer, and donating your time is a great way for the community to connect with each other."
Emerging VICSES leaders build connections through national program
"It’s important we give our young leaders the opportunities they need to prosper and successfully lead VICSES into the future."
VICSES Cobram Unit Deputy Controller Emma Bugler and VICSES Mildura Unit Controller Elliott Matotek.
VICSES volunteers learn the ropes for High Angle Rescue response
“Being able to bolster our network of high-angle rescue accredited volunteers is particularly important this time of year."
Driver Reviver is back this Easter to keep motorists safe
“A break to stop, rest and refresh could save your life and your loved ones lives.”
VICSES volunteers promote preparedness at popular Seymour expo
“Grassroots conversations such as these play an important role in saving lives across Victoria."