Widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected south of the primary snow axis. Significant and damaging ice accumulations are likely, with the potential for long-duration power outages, tree damage, and dangerous travel conditions.

Also! A trick my dad (an Oklahoman) taught me is that if you have any sinks/tubs etc in unheated rooms--not uncommon in the south--leave the faucet running just a tiny bit to keep those pipes from freezing as well. Safer than a space heater+ still works if the power goes out.

Flashlights (not candles). Smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. Knowing where the vents to your home are so you can clear them of snow. Do it all. We're being given so much time with this storm.

I don’t talk about it a lot, but I think going no contact with a toxic parent is so important to talk about and remove the stigma from.

It is not a moral failing to have to make this choice, it’s survival and breaking the cycle.

Some days the anger does bubble up, anger I couldn’t help child me in that situation, I can’t travel back to the past

But I don’t live in it, I use it to remind myself why I made this choice

My worth and peace are sacred to me