East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, the Environment Agency and EDF Energy joined forces this week to participate in a mock scenario that simulated the effects that serious flooding could have on parts of East Sussex.

Code-named Exercise Tempest, the exercise tested emergency procedures and multi-agency working between the three organisations in the setting of a real working environment.

Exercise Tempest, which commenced on 23rd February 2009, tested East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and the Environment Agency's resilience and preparedness for an emergency.

Over three day exercise, the scenario developed and staff from across the region made critical decisions about warning the public and what advice to give authorities about evacuation while devastating floods were simulated across the region.

The exercise provided a valuable opportunity to engage EDF Energy's 132,000-volt National Grid substation in Newhaven, exploring the implications of significant electricity loss.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Ron Kirkwood, Station Manager for Lewes and Newhaven, said:

"Exercise Tempest involved the use of specialist staff and resources from the Environment Agency, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and EDF Energy. It was designed to test our resilience and preparedness in dealing with an emergency, utilising specialist equipment in a coordinated multi-agency approach."

Harvey Bradshaw, Environment Agency Southern Regional Director, commented:

"Climate change presents rising sea levels, extreme weather and more frequent flooding. Recent weather has reminded us all that we're at the mercy of nature. We can't stop rain from falling but by preparing and testing how we react to floods we're in a better position to anticipate and manage the consequences when they happen to ensure communities aren't left without vital services."

During the exercise, Environment Agency Operations Delivery teams erected demountable defences at the EDF Energy substation. These temporary defences protect a variety of locations in an emergency.

In extreme conditions and without protection the substation would be at risk of flooding, leaving many people without electricity.

In the Environment Agency Southern Region around 380,000 homes and businesses are at risk of flooding either from the sea, rivers or groundwater. East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and the Environment Agency have important roles in reducing the likelihood of flooding.

As not all flooding can be prevented it is essential that those people at risk receive advance warning and preparations to limit the damage a flood can leave behind.

Visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to find out if you're at risk and to get advice on how to prepare in advance to minimise damage.