From floods and storm damage to bush fires and rescue operations, the men and women in orange volunteer their time to help those living their worst moments.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It might be cold and dark after work hours, but that doesn't stop State Emergency Service volunteers from training hard to make sure they are ready in a crisis.
The acting unit commander, Jason McDonell, said with storm season approaching the Wagga team must be prepared for action.
On Wednesday, a mock storm hit Wagga.
"Some guys in the training room are learning how to control the incident, escalate if need be, see what crews are around, see what jobs are coming out and allocate those jobs to mock teams," he said.
"Outside we have a roofing team who are setting up," he said.
"They are doing a simulation on the ground as it is a bit easier to get it done on the ground.
"They still do all the steps from getting into the harness until the finish."
The SES relies heavily on volunteers, so the training hours are flexible for members.
Mr McDonell recalls one time seeing a trampoline in a living room that had been blown into the house from a neighbour's yard due to strong winds.
"We are there for the worst aspects of people's life," he said.
"We rock up, do what we can do to help and help settle people."
Mr McDonell said there is a common misunderstanding that signing up to the SES, means having to be ready to climb roofs and participate in rescues.
"If you want to come in and transfer gear from place to place, then that is OK," he said.
"If you have no qualifications, we can provide the courses at no cost.
"You can help wherever you can."
Emergencies are not the only times SES volunteers are about, and the team are often found at community events lending a hand.
Mr McDonell added residents should be getting ready for potential storm weather.
"Now is the time to act," he said. "Secure your home, watch out for your elderly neighbours and don't forget your pets."
To apply or find out how to be a volunteer, go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au. If you are need of assistance call 132 500 or in an emergency contact 000.