Time to don our orange clothing to celebrate and acknowledge our wonderful volunteers in the State Emergency Service.

Next Wednesday is WOW day - Wear Orange Wednesday - to show your support of NSW SES volunteers!

Locals are being encouraged to wear orange, take a photo and post it on social media with

#THANKYOUSES or #WOWDAY.

Nowra media liaison officer Jacqui Gilmore said the day was a simple way to say thank you to the SES volunteers.

Known as the Orange Angels, the SES is there in times of emergency. People usually come across them at the worst of times, but the personnel are there doing wonderful things.

“I really admire the volunteers when they go out in all weather conditions to help others in need,” Ms Gilmore said.

“I get to sit in a warm office but they are out there working.

“And you have to remember all the Nowra SES members are volunteers.

“Some are working, we have a lot who are retired and we would like to get a more younger people join as well.

“All training is provided and members can come proficient in a wide variety of roles.

“It’s not only about working out in the rain, the winds and the floods, there are roles for everyone, things like organisation and communications.”

As we head into winter and the SES is trying to encourage people to be proactive not reactive.

“Look at your homes and see what might need to be done,” Ms Gilmore said.

“Look at trees in your area, see if they are hanging over your homes, and try and get them tidied up before the next lot of wind storms hit us.”

As part of WOW, SES displays will be held in Nowra’s NRMA and at the Shoalhaven City Council Administration building and on Thursday there will be a special stall at Stockland Nowra, where you can learn about the SES and what to do about securing your home and making it safe.