SEC - The Service
Trained Red Cross volunteer Telephonists are on standby should a major disaster occur in NSW. Telephonists are activated for the NSW Police Communications Centre in Sydney or for the SEC at Red Cross House under the authority of the NSW Police Service. The SEC 1800 number is publicised by the media.
Red Cross SEC Telephonists field enquiries from people wanting to find out the safety and whereabouts of loved ones who may be affected by a disaster. Names and contact details from evacuation centres, available via a central database, provide Telephonists with information about those who are safe and well.
Past SEC activations include:
Christmas Bushfires (NSW): 6 days - 2001
Displaced persons (from Kosovo): 6 weeks - 1999
Rail Crash (Glenbrook, Blue Mountains): 1 day - 1999
Storm/landslide (Wollongong): 1 day - 1998
Landslide (Thredbo): 2 days - 1997
We need volunteers who:
Have attended the Volunteer Information Session and The Personal Course
Have a pleasant telephone manner
Are able to remain calm when talking with people who are upset
Can get to the city at short notice.
Can work a 8-hour shift
Can use a computer (basic skills)
Can type at least 30 wpm
The first step for potential SEC volunteers is to attend a Red Cross Volunteer Information Session. (To find out dates email nswvolunteers@redcross.org.au). Then attend a Personal Support Course before registering for SEC training.
SEC - Training
The initial training for the SEC is a half day course. You will learn about:
Where the SEC fits into the NSW Disaster Plan
What happens on shift; dealing with upset callers
Self care
What Telephonists do
The role of the Team Leader
The computer program
