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Unit History |
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The Role of S.E.S. in Emergencies Personal Emergency & Evacuation Kits
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In 1965 the City of Enfield Civil Defence Organisation opened its Headquarters in the old Enfield Council Chambers on Main North Road. Civil Defence training at that time was mainly devoted to preparedness for nuclear attack. The Scientific Service gave training with radiation meters, the Signal Service laid miles of cable for field phones and the Welfare Service dug pits and built BBQ like structures out of second hand bricks and corrugated iron to feed everyone hot soup and scones. In 1970 the unit was re-located to Hoods Road, Northfield next to Yatala Gaol. As time passed the Organisation changed its focus towards local emergencies. The name changed to Civil Defence and Emergency Service and a short time later to the State Emergency Service (S.E.S.). The first major emergency with which Enfield S.E.S. became involved was in 1974 when Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin. Volunteer members manned the Headquarters 24 hours a day for a full week. Enfield provided radio links with Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Alice Springs. Members served long hours at Adelaide Airport helping to register and generally assist the evacuees and even helped clean out the RAAF Hercules aircraft that carried them. Members have training in First Aid. They can undertake additional training in courses such as Advanced Rescue, Rescue from Heights and Defensive Driving. Members also take part in local and State exercises to improve their skills. |