HEYBRIDGE residents turned out to test their emergency response as part of a council initiative.

Maldon District Council and its partners held mock flooding events in Heybridge on Sunday, October 16.

Residents volunteered as evacuees to help council officers, the Red Cross, Rover Rescue. Essex Raynet and the Coastguard test their preparation for emergency events.

Miriam Lewis, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: “We know flooding from rivers and the sea is a risk in our area and events such as this ensure we are prepared and can respond appropriately.

“The last time we had to respond for real was in 2013. We learned a lot from the experience, as did everyone who took part.

“It is just as important for our residents to make sure they are prepared, for example having an emergency grab bag.”

The council advise that in order to be ready for an emergency, each household should keep a grab bag of essentials handy.

This should include a torch, radio, first aid kit, water, snacks, mobile phone charger and spare keys, amongst other items.