October 2022 has been the busiest month in history for the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), with volunteers responding to a staggering 13,705 RFA’s (requests for assistance).
It’s almost a 28 per cent increase on the previous record of 10,740 requests, set in June 2021.
VICSES Chief Officer of Operations Tim Wiebusch said he’s incredibly proud of the resilience and dedication of the five thousand SES volunteers across Victoria.
“It’s been an incredibly busy month for our VICSES volunteers responding to multiple severe weather events and I’m really proud of the work our VICSES volunteers have undertaken and continue to do to assist so many community members with great support from our partner agencies,” he said.
It follows two of the three busiest years on record for VICSES with 2020-21 the busiest financial year in the organisation’s history which included the response to the June 2021 storm.
Victoria SES operates 150 units across six regions.
The record-breaking month is a timely reminder for Victorians to download the VicEmergency app for warning and advice messaging and check the VicTraffic mobile app or website before travelling for updates on road closures, hazards and to consider alternative journeys.
A reminder if you need VICSES emergency assistance, ring 132 500 or Triple-zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.