[3] The SASES is a separate entity, independent of other branches, and reports to the South Australian Minister for Emergency Services.

[4] The SASES helps communities prepare for and respond to emergency situations, both human-made and natural, and is the 'hazard leader' (co-ordinates all planning for risk prevention, preparedness, response and recovery) for extreme weather events.

[22] The SASES assist communities during these events by placing sandbags around buildings to prevent damage in preparation, helping with evacuations and rescues, and clearing obstacles that arise.

[25] The SASES largely uses their share of the levy for purchasing of equipment and vehicle, in addition to maintenance of units.

[27] In 2018, the SA state government reduced the levy by an average of $150 per household, costing approximately $360 million.

[30] The organisation has a specific Community Engagement Unit founded in 2012, whose role is to fulfill these goals and strategies.

[31][32] The SASES leads emergency services within the state to prepare the public for heat waves and extreme weather.

[33] Various levels (Advice, Watch, and Warning) of temperature triggers are in place to initiate preparation by authorities, and it is the organisation's role to inform the public of any danger related to this, give tips on how to prepare and deal with danger, and inform the public of health services provided by other emergency services.

[35] Facebook profile picture filters, hashtags, and an orange light show on Adelaide Oval are also used to engage the community on this day.

[35][36] The biennial challenge is publicised on the news, and social media, where SES units within the state compete in a series of mock emergency rescues.

[40] In response, the SASES is developing a formal diversity strategy alongside the Bushfires and Natural Hazards CRC to increase female and Indigenous Australian participation.

[40][39] This includes a partnership with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) to increase well-being, flexible schedules to help individual volunteers, and recruitment programs targeted at females (led by the community engagement unit).

[45] Founded in 1995, each branch chief officer meets on the council to communicate information on their activities, as well as discuss state and national strategies.

[47] Similar to the ESM, this medal recognises distinguished achievement and commitment to emergency service organisations, including the SASES, within South Australia.