AN event will be launched to prepare residents for flood emergencies – less than two months after hundreds of people were evacuated from their Jaywick homes.

On December 5 more than 400 people were moved out of their homes after a tidal surge sparked major flooding fears.

Tendring Council was forced to turn Clacton County High School into an overnight rest centre for the evacuees.

And the council has now created a Flood Fair to dish out advice while the latest incident is still fresh in people’s minds.

It will be held in Jaywick, with the area carrying the highest risk of flooding in Tendring.

Tendring Council’s community safety cabinet member Lynda McWilliams said: “The night of December 5 will still be very fresh in many residents’ minds in Jaywick and they realise that the warning over flooding was not just an idle threat.

“I think that event changed people’s attitudes and they will be very receptive to find out more about what they can do to protect themselves, their families and their property.

“We were very fortunate that there was no loss of life or injury on the last occasion – but we may not be so lucky next time and people need to be prepared.”

It will be held at Jaywick Resource Centre in Brooklands Gardens on January 21 from 10am-4pm.