Flooding is one of those things you hope never happens on your street - but it is much easier to deal with when you have checked the basics in advance. The Environment Agency and UK Government pages are a solid starting point for flood warnings, what to do, and where to get help.

Start here: official flood advice and warnings

If you do one thing today, make it this: bookmark the Government flood and coastal change hub. It links you to flood warnings, preparation advice, and what support is available after a flood.

• GOV.UK - Flooding and coastal change (Environment Agency and Government guidance)

That GOV.UK page is the safest place to begin because it keeps you on official, up to date information, including how warnings work and what actions to take at each stage.

Quick practical steps for Gnosall households

• Sign up for flood warnings if your area is eligible - warnings are free and can come by phone, text or email (via the GOV.UK hub above).
• Check your home insurance and keep key documents somewhere easy to grab quickly (or backed up online).
• Know how to turn off electricity, gas and water safely - and keep a torch handy.
• If flooding is possible where you live, consider simple property protection (like door barriers and airbrick covers) and store valuables upstairs.

Who does what locally (and who to contact)

Flooding support can involve more than one organisation. In plain terms: the Environment Agency leads on flood warnings and managing certain main rivers, while councils often help with local flooding issues, drainage and recovery support. If you are not sure who to call, start with the GOV.UK hub and then contact the relevant council for local help.

• Stafford Borough Council
• Staffordshire County Council
• Gnosall Parish Council

If flooding is happening now

• If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• Follow any official flood warnings and safety advice from GOV.UK and local authorities.
• Avoid walking or driving through flood water - it can be deeper (and faster) than it looks, and it may contain hazards.
• If it is safe, move pets, cars and important items to higher ground and keep phones charged.

For everything else - warnings, preparation, and next steps - the Government hub is the best reliable doorway: https://www.gov.uk/topic/environmental-management/flooding-coastal-change.