nrma insurance
There could be a silver lining to last season's storm clouds with one in five south-east Queenslanders now considering joining the State Emergency Service (SES) home insurance provider NRMA Insurance has revealed.
A recent survey of around 400 households found that the severity and impact of last season's storms had prompted many south-east Queenslanders to consider donning the familiar orange overalls.
It's good news young people are considering giving their time to the SES because the need is only likely to grow and many communities would not recover from weather disasters without that critical rapid response.
And it's not just retirees with spare time on their hands putting their chainsaws forward, with more than 65 per cent of those considering signing up aged between 23 and 34.
NRMA Insurance spokesperson Sue Hawkins said the home insurance provider wanted to highlight the continued need for SES volunteers, especially in south-east Queensland, one of the most storm-prone areas of Australia.
"Severe storms and cyclones are part of life in Queensland, but research indicates climate change will lead to even more severe weather events, putting additional stress on our emergency services," she said.
"It's good news young people are considering giving their time to the SES because the need is only likely to grow and many communities would not recover from weather disasters without that critical rapid response."
Emergency Management Queensland Executive Director Frank Pagano said SES volunteers were well trained and played a vital role in disaster response.
"The SES provides hands-on volunteer opportunities for people from all walks of life," he said.
"It's a chance to contribute practical help to people in need, learn new skills and meet new people. On average, our volunteers stay with the SES for more than seven years, so they must find it very rewarding."
SES recruits can expect to learn first aid, a range of rescue techniques, map reading and navigation, storm damage response and specific equipment operation.
The NRMA Insurance research also showed full-time workers were more likely than part-time workers to consider volunteering for the SES, as were people with children still living at home.
NRMA Insurance is the major sponsor of the SES and helps with community education on storm preparation, additional equipment for SES units and discounted car and home insurance for SES volunteers.
Anyone interested in joining the SES should contact 1300 369 003 or visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses
There could be a silver lining to last season's storm clouds with one in five south-east Queenslanders now considering joining the State Emergency Service (SES) home insurance provider NRMA Insurance has revealed.
A recent survey of around 400 households found that the severity and impact of last season's storms had prompted many south-east Queenslanders to consider donning the familiar orange overalls.
It's good news young people are considering giving their time to the SES because the need is only likely to grow and many communities would not recover from weather disasters without that critical rapid response.
And it's not just retirees with spare time on their hands putting their chainsaws forward, with more than 65 per cent of those considering signing up aged between 23 and 34.
NRMA Insurance spokesperson Sue Hawkins said the home insurance provider wanted to highlight the continued need for SES volunteers, especially in south-east Queensland, one of the most storm-prone areas of Australia.
"Severe storms and cyclones are part of life in Queensland, but research indicates climate change will lead to even more severe weather events, putting additional stress on our emergency services," she said.
"It's good news young people are considering giving their time to the SES because the need is only likely to grow and many communities would not recover from weather disasters without that critical rapid response."
Emergency Management Queensland Executive Director Frank Pagano said SES volunteers were well trained and played a vital role in disaster response.
"The SES provides hands-on volunteer opportunities for people from all walks of life," he said.
"It's a chance to contribute practical help to people in need, learn new skills and meet new people. On average, our volunteers stay with the SES for more than seven years, so they must find it very rewarding."
SES recruits can expect to learn first aid, a range of rescue techniques, map reading and navigation, storm damage response and specific equipment operation.
The NRMA Insurance research also showed full-time workers were more likely than part-time workers to consider volunteering for the SES, as were people with children still living at home.
NRMA Insurance is the major sponsor of the SES and helps with community education on storm preparation, additional equipment for SES units and discounted car and home insurance for SES volunteers.
Anyone interested in joining the SES should contact 1300 369 003 or visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses
