1. When to Call the SES (132 500)
The SES provides temporary emergency repairs to make your home safe. Call them if:
- Structural Damage: A tree has fallen on your roof, or your ceiling has collapsed.
- Severe Leaks: Your roof is leaking significantly and you cannot stop it yourself.
- Access Blocked: A large branch or tree is blocking your front door or driveway, preventing you from leaving.
- Flood Threat: Your home is at risk of being inundated by rising floodwaters and you need sandbags or evacuation assistance.
2. When to Call Triple Zero (000)
Only call 000 during a storm if there is a threat to life.
- Trapped or Injured: Someone is pinned under a tree or injured by debris.
- Live Power Lines: You see downed power lines sparking or touching water (this is a massive electrocution risk).
- Rescue Needed: You are stranded in rising floodwaters and cannot get to safety.
- Fire: A lightning strike has started a fire in your home or nearby bushland.
3. What the SES Will NOT Do
The SES consists of volunteers who prioritize the most urgent property threats. In 2026, they generally will not help with:
- Debris Cleanup: Removing small branches from your yard or cleaning your pool.
- Fence Damage: Trees that have fallen on fences but aren’t touching your house or car.
- Permanent Repairs: They will put a tarp on your roof, but they won’t fix the tiles. You must call your insurance company for permanent fixes.
- Non-Primary Buildings: They usually do not attend to sheds, detached garages, or unoccupied investment properties.
4. The 2026 “Digital First” Strategy
In 2026, phone lines during a major storm can have wait times exceeding 30 minutes. Most states now offer faster digital reporting:
- SES Assistance Apps: Available in QLD, NSW, and VIC. These apps allow you to upload photos of the damage so teams can prioritize your house.
- Online Portals: Visit 132500.qld.gov.au or your state’s specific SES website to lodge a request without waiting on hold.
5. Quick Reference Table
| Scenario | Call 132 500 (SES) | Call 000 (Emergency) |
| Tree on roof (no one hurt) | YES | No |
| Tree on person | No | YES |
| Water coming through light fittings | YES | No |
| Rising floodwater touching power points | No | YES |
| Tarp needed for broken window | YES | No |
Summary Tip
If you have lodged a request with the SES and the situation improves (or you fix it yourself), please call 132 500 back to cancel. This ensures volunteers aren’t sent to your house when someone else might be in greater need.
