It was designed to promote a consistent multi-agency response to a flood crisis in the area and ran through the procedures and communications between all the major players who would be involved with a severe flood event.
Participants were split into five syndicate groups and asked to tackle a range of incidents that could realistically occur during a major flood event. Local residents affected by flooding were also present on the day and were able to put forward views and comments from a first hand perspective.
Throughout the day, candidates were given the opportunity to appreciate the roles and responsibilities of partnership organisations and build vital links through face to face contact.
Environment Agency Area Flood Warning Engineer Natalie Rushton said: “This exercise provided an excellent opportunity for all the organisations involved to test their plans and procedures and develop a multi-agency approach to flooding. We should now be better prepared for dealing with a major flood event.”
A mock press conference was held at the end of the day.
By D Hopkins