AIBU to mix households to escape a flooded house?

[Holdingbacktheflood]

I would really like some advice.
2 days ago my house was flooded. My 2 ds (6 and 9) went to stay with my parents as we didn’t know how bad it would be. My parents are in Tier 4, as are we, but about 50 miles away.
We are still drying out one room but having to have heaters on and windows open. I would rather my DC didn’t come back yet as the house is freezing and they would be confined upstairs (with open windows).
There is also the possibility that it will happen again in next few days according to the firemen. (And so they would need to be ‘evacuated’ again). As much as they adore being at my parents they are starting to miss me. They would really like me there with them and I am hating being in this awful house at the moment. (I suffer from anxiety)
I should also add that both us and my parents haven’t been in contact with anyone since school ended 18th dec and we kept to the rules over Xmas. These are exceptional circumstances however and we were not expecting this.
AIBU to think that I could go and stay there for a few days. My husband would stay here in case of more flooding. I’m torn on whether it’s breaking the rules or not.
Any advice welcome

It sounds like an emergency so I can't see that you have a choice.

Totally reasonable in the circumstances.

You can't live in a cold, wet house. Go to your parents x

I had worried what would happen once we got into winter flooding season - I'm sure it is reasonable under circumstances. Sorry you're going through this and hope it's sorted soon.

A site near me flooded recently, police put out a statement it was absolutely fine to go and stay with family due to exceptional circumstances

I am sorry you are having such a hard time- our home flooded in a storm a few years ago and it is an awful experience. Your children must be your priority and they are missing you and you are no doubt missing them. I would go where you need to be and not feel guilty for doing so. Hope the insurance company are helping sort things out for you

From gov.uk guidelines, you can meet in larger groups
"to provide emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm"

I think you're not only legal to go to your parents, but I think you'd be very wise to.

They’re exceptional circumstances OP. I would go if I were you.

So sorry about your house. That must be horrific. I’m quite surprised that you’re actually allowed to stay in it.

You poor things. Of course you should stay there. I wonder if you're not too far from me - we're fine here but the town where I work has flooded badly and so many people have had no heating, electricity, water etc for days.

Go to your children.

Can I just say how I admire people like you OP, who still worry about sticking to the rules even though you’re in a horrible situation and have a good excuse to be d the rules (so to speak). When half of the country does what the hell they want to making pathetic excuses.

This is fine, and allowed in the rules anyway. So sorry about the flooding. You must be devastated.

I'm sure this was on the BBC news on Sunday. A bloke was staying with friends after being flooded and they (bbc) explained it was within the rules as it was an emergency.
I hope your home doesn't take too long to sort out .

Sorry about the flooding, that is a really rotten thing to happen. I think there would be quite a health risk from staying in a flooded house eg electrics, dirty water, not to mention the effects of cold and damp on you. I'd say it's very much exceptional circumstances and you can mix.

Thank you for your messages and support! We got off quite lightly compared to other people but it’s still very difficult, especially with children. I do try to take the rules seriously as much as I can, (even missing Xmas with family), but these are exceptional circumstances. My dad is a real stickler for the rules so was also unsure. I’ll have to speak to him and try and explain.

Staying in a cold wet house will make you ill. Go be with your children.

The rules have always allowed you to “break” them in order to escape harm. Staying elsewhere because your home is flooded is absolutely fine. Do it as safely as you can, but definitely go.

Hope you don’t get flooded again and can get the house sorted soon

The police have made statements to say advice about leaving due to flooding takes priority over the Tier 4 rules !!!

Regardless of that, You can leave / travel to Tier 4 in Emergency situations

YANBU but you should both go stay with your parents. It’s only 50 miles. You and your DH can check on house every few days until flood danger has passed. Then do insurance stuff and cleaning before moving back.

Thank you. I’ve been looking for any kind of rules regarding the flooding but couldn’t see any.

Of course you can go. And you should.

Surely your insurance provider can provide new temporary accommodation for you all to be together?

Proof if ever there was any lingering doubt that Covid kills all common sense.
But I'm sorry about your house - that must be really distressing.

I am very strictly following Covid rules and I think this is totally reasonable. You would be fine going to your parents.
I hope the flood damage isn’t too bad, flooding is reallt stressful.

Exactly what @katy1213 said - what has happened to pragmatism and common sense?