Hi there friends, it's Katie_slytherin here, with a new addition of 'Chatting With . . . '! this month. Today I have meteorologist expert, Holly Patil, with me today. She's going to teach us all about weather safety. So grab a seat, pick up your pens, have your notebooks open and be prepared to learn!
Katie: Hi there Holly, it's suntastic to have you here with us, thank you so much for meeting with me today to teach us all about the dangerous weather. What will you be teaching to us today?
Holly: Hello my RAY of sunshine. Hehe. Get it, cuz Ray from the RP and a ray of...
Katie: ..........
Holly: *clears throat* Yes, the weather! Today I will be teaching you all about lightning.
Katie: .Ah lightning, a wondrous phenomenon! Why don't you start off by telling us what lighting is on a scientific level?
Holly: Absolutely! If you've ever done the Muggle science experiment where you run your feet on a carpet and then touched a metal door handle and experience a small schlock, then you already know a bit about lightning as the way it works is quite similar. Lightening is a naturally occurring electrostatic discharge where two electrically charged regions neutralize themselves for a moment. This causes an instantaneous release of scary energy. Now, not only do we have the lighting to worry about but when it strikes, it can cause electromagnetic radiation. The three main types are cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-cloud, and cloud-to-air lightning! Lightning is very dangerous and around six times hotter than the sun.
Katie: Yikes that's hot! Do you have any safety tips for us when riding out a bad storm?
Holly: Indeed, I do. During bad storms, you should avoid using water. It's not the best idea to take a bath amidst a lightning friendly, even if you are in your home. For those Muggles reading with us, you will want to avoid electrical outlets. While snuggling on the couch watching TV sounds nice, perhaps try reading a book or playing a board game instead. Now this one might come as a shock to some people, but avoid concrete, lighting can actually travel through concrete floors and walls!
Katie: Wow, those were all some interesting tips. Now, what if for some reason I find myself outdoors in the middle of nowhere during a bad storm, what do I do then?
Holly: That would be a very unfortunate case for you, but some tips are to avoid any elevated places, stay away from lonesome trees, try to find shelter, and don't stay in an open space, but NOT in an open structure. Now one myth is that you should lie flat on the ground. This is something you should not do. Instead, crouch low and cover your ears with your head tucked.
Katie: Thank you so much for your expert advice, I will definitely keep these facts in mind going forward!
All right, folks, that wraps up this issue's Chatting With...! Thanks for reading!
Until I reemerge from my cave again, this is goodbye from your favourite socktastically pureblooded Slytherin!
- Katie_slytherin