Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is the control agency for flood, storm, tsunami, earthquake and landslide throughout Victoria, and provide the largest Road Crash Rescue network in Australia, with specialist teams in 104 of our 154 units across the state.

We also provide support for other incident response activities, including:

• Road, air, industrial and rail (RAIR) – vehicle extrication.

• Fire support.

• Search and rescue including alpine rescue – missing or injured persons, and vertical and high angle rescue (specific locations only).

• Structure – industrial incidents and Urban Search and Rescue, building damage or collapse.

• Land – missing persons, evidence search, crime scene protection, lighting (crime scene, vehicle accident area), lighting points during traffic management.

• Lakes/rivers/caves – missing persons, evidence search, marine rescue.

• Swift water rescue (land based).

• Marine/offshore rescue (VICSES Inverloch Unit only).

In 2024 - 2025, VICSES responded to 35,940 emergency incidents across the state, contributing a total of 342,374 hours helping Victorians in need.

We operate under the Victoria State Emergency Act (2005) and the coordinating agency for emergency management, Emergency Management Victoria (EMV). As a Statutory Authority, VICSES is governed by a Board, which is accountable to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services.

VICSES is an emergency services agency and may undertake emergency temporary repairs to your property and crown land if required. For minor leaks, superficial damage, removal of debris and cutting down of trees that are still standing, please contact a professional tradesperson.

VICSES is a significant contributor and leader in emergency management. We strive to develop and lead best practice by focusing on further developing our core business activities and strengthening our relationships and partnerships in developing a resilient Victorian community that knows what to do before, during, and after an emergency.

We support our communities to better understand the ‘who, what, when and how’ for emergency events by: 

• Building competency in knowing what to do in the future – Believe they know how to do it. 

• Increasing individual capacity and capability to respond – Believe they can do it.

• Increasing awareness of the community’s role and the role of VICSES and others – Believe everyone has a role to play. 

• Realising the positive outcomes and relevance of preparing for future emergencies – Believe it will make a difference.

VICSES also provides significant contributions and expertise to national and state governing bodies, including but not limited to committee membership and specialist advice to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) and the Victorian Road Safety Network.

When should I call VICSES during a flood or storm?

The demand on Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers during severe weather is huge. A large volume of calls mean that jobs need to be prioritised.

VICSES is an emergency services agency and may undertake emergency temporary repairs if required. For minor leaks, superficial damage, removal of debris and cutting down of trees that are still standing, please contact a professional tradesperson.

Use this quick self-assessment guide to know when to call VICSES

Is anyone’s life in danger? Call 000

Are you seeking emergency help in a flood or storm because: 

• A tree has fallen (tree down) and caused structural damage to your home or vehicle? 

• There is damage to your roof or it is leaking significantly? 

• A tree or large branch has fallen and is preventing you from entering or leaving your home? 

• Your property is flooded or about to flood?

If YES call VICSES on 132 500. Your request for assistance will be logged by our 24/7 call centre. A local volunteer may then contact you for further details.

If NO depending on your situation you should: 

• Contact your insurer to make a claim or arrange permanent repairs. 

• Contact a professional tradesperson to repair damage or remove debris, if required.