Local controller Anthony Kasoulis said an increase in volunteers is needed to carry out vital storm response work in the Southern Highlands.

"At the moment our total number of active members is around 20. We also have a lot of people with jobs who are unable to get time off work in an emergency, as well as those who do shiftwork and are not as available as they should be," Mr Kasoulis said.

"We are looking for field staff who go out and tarp roofs, cut and remove trees and take care of storm damage."

Mr Kasoulis said the Wingecarribee SES is open to men and women 18-years and over.

"The SES is suitable for anyone who wants to be part of a team and wants to serve their community," he said.

"Members can come from anywhere in the Southern Highlands. Although our headquarters is in Mittagong, members live all over the Highlands."

Mr Kasoulis said the storm-response units of the SES played a vital part of minimising the damage to residences after strong winds hit the Southern Highlands in June.

"We also give a lot of out-of-the-area assistance to other units in the state. We've done a lot of work in Campbelltown and Sydney as well as helping out during the hailstorm in Ulladulla in April," he said.

Mr Kasoulis said he was originally encouraged to join the SES by a friend while living on the South Coast.

"A lot of people don't realise what a good social activity the SES is. We take part in events like Brigadoon and the Burrawang Fair," he said.