As the winter months approach, bringing with them the heightened risk of heavy rainfall and potential inundation, the Environment Agency has officially launched “Flood Action Week.” This year, the national campaign is anchored by a poignant new animation, Missy and Stanley’s Tale, produced in collaboration with the world-renowned Aardman studio, the Environment Agency, and East Sussex County Council.
The film, directed by award-winning director Åsa Lucander, follows a pet’s perspective on a sudden flood event. As Missy and Stanley navigate familiar streets transformed into waterways, the narrative serves as a stark “what if” scenario designed to underscore the emotional and physical impact of flooding on households. By humanizing the threat through the eyes of beloved pets, the animation aims to encourage residents to move beyond complacency and take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and livelihoods.
“It was a privilege and a joy to bring this small film to life, while helping to raise awareness of such an important issue,” said Åsa Lucander. “With this film, we want to encourage people to be more aware and better prepared, so that if the nightmare does become a reality, they know how to act and protect themselves and the ones they love most.”
The release of the film coincides with the launch of “Flood Action Online,” a new digital resource hub created by the Environment Agency. This platform functions as a one-stop shop for flood advice, integrating actionable guidance for property protection with real-time Met Office weather alerts. The initiative is intended to support homeowners in implementing practical property flood resilience measures—small but significant structural changes that can drastically reduce damage when water enters a building.
The urgency of these efforts reflects a broader government mandate to bolster the nation’s climate defenses. The government has committed to safeguarding 200,000 properties from flooding, a move projected to deliver £27.9 billion in avoided damages. This investment is viewed as a critical component of national infrastructure, ensuring that communities are not only protected from immediate threats but are also resilient enough to recover rapidly in the aftermath of extreme weather events.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy emphasized that infrastructure alone is not enough; individual community engagement is essential. “Missy and Stanley’s Tale supports our ambition to ensure this country is ready for and resilient to flooding and coastal erosion for generations to come,” Hardy stated. “Flood defences and infrastructure are essential, which is why we have committed to safeguarding 200,000 properties, but this film helps people of all ages understand how they can prepare for and stay safe when faced with flooding.”
The project was developed under the banner of the Blue Heart Project, led by East Sussex County Council and supported by the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme. For local authorities, the film represents a crucial outreach tool. Cllr Peter Griffiths, lead member for transport and environment at East Sussex County Council, noted that the film acts as an entry point for residents to engage with their local risk profile. “It will help raise awareness ahead of flood events, enabling residents to sign up for warnings, make informed decisions, and take practical action to improve their resilience,” he said.
With climate models predicting more frequent and intense rainfall, the Environment Agency is urging the public not to wait for a crisis to occur. They recommend three immediate actions: check your flood risk via the government’s online portal, sign up for automated flood warnings, and prepare a plan for your home. Missy and Stanley’s Tale is available to watch on YouTube, serving as a reminder that understanding risk is the first step toward enduring safety.
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