The Dubbo branch of the State Emergency Service (SES) would struggle to be able to service the entire city if a major emergency like a storm struck because they don't have enough volunteers.
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In a worrying sign of the times, all SES branches in the Macquarie region are operating with less than ideal numbers.
According to SES regional controller David Monk, the Dubbo branch has just 34 volunteers when it would need up to 60 to operate completely.
"In all of our areas, volunteers are becoming increasingly hard to find. We are operating with around 34 people, which is better than some branches and it is adequate for small to medium issues, but if something big happens, we are going to have to call in members from other branches," Mr Monk said.
"Realistically, for a city the size of Dubbo, we need around 60 employees so we would like to see the current number double.
"One of the biggest problems is that during the Christmas period, everyone goes away and when you only have a small pool of volunteers to begin with, it means you can be left with only a few volunteers in the city."
In one of the more serious examples of understaffing, Bathurst SES has just 20 volunteers, nowhere near enough to cope with major catastrophes that can occur. Mr Monk said the Macquarie region will be running a recruitment campaign soon to try and boost numbers but he encourages anyone who is interested to give it a try.
"There's lots of people who say out of the blue that they want to join. The problem for us is targeting those people who are interested. The easiest way for people to get involved is to get along to an evening training session," he said.
"All training is nationally accredited and they are skill sets people can take into other parts of their lives.
"There is certainly a benefit for people to take part. A lot of the units become very social, they have barbecues together and it is a great thing to be part of."
Mr Monk said the SES accepts anyone over the age of 16 as a member and there are no tests. The SES also provides all the training required to take part.
The Dubbo branch trains on a Tuesday night at 7pm at their base at 15-19 Depot Road. Anyone is welcome to attend.
