September 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 19 Officials urge: Be ready before lightning strikes The Township of Wyckoff reminds area residents that this is the time of year thunderstorms may occur very quickly. According to the National Oceanic and Atmo- spheric Administration, lightning is one of the most underrated severe weather hazards. Lightning is caused by the attraction between positive and negative charges in the atmosphere. There are two types of lightning: cloud to cloud, and cloud to ground. High winds, rainfall, and a darkening cloud cover are the warning signs for possible cloud to ground lightning strikes. While many lightning casualties happen at the beginning of a storm, more than 50 percent of lightning deaths occur after the thunderstorm has passed. Remember the 30-30 rule. When the interval between lightning and thunder is 30 seconds, it means that the storm is within six miles and is dangerous. The lightning threat diminishes after the last sound of thunder, but may persist for more than 30 minutes. Lightning Quick Facts: • 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in the U.S. each year. • In the United States, an average of 67 people are killed each year by lightning. In 2003, there were 44 deaths. • Lightning hits somewhere on the earth about 100 times every second. Lightning Safety: When a storm is approaching, you can reduce your risks from lightning. Outdoors: • Avoid open fields and isolated trees. • In the woods, take shelter under shorter trees. • When boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately. • Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. • Be as small a target as possible, squatting low to the ground and placing your head between your knees. • Stay inside an enclosed vehicle with the windows closed. However, avoid convertibles and vehicles such as golf carts. • Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flood- ing. Indoors: • Avoid water. Don’t wash dishes or take a bath or shower. • Stay away from doors and windows. • Do not use the telephone. Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, and TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment. If someone is injured by lightning, he or she does not carry an electrical charge and can be given first aid. Call 911 or send for help immediately. The best idea is to be prepared and have a plan in place before the storm approaches. Abundant Life Church ready for fall Abundant Life Reformed Church in Wyckoff will begin its fall season on Sunday, Sept. 15 with a full roster of programs. “First half” activities will include Sunday school and the Adult Bible Study at 9:15 a.m. Bible Study groups will be introduced to the Internet video, “Online Play Book.” After the half-time break, which will include coffee and treats, the program will move into its second half with the 10:30 a.m. worship service. The choir and the first of four messages from Pastor Chris Jacobsen, “The Church: Built on God’s Word,” will be featured. Subsequent messages from Pastor Jacobsen will include “The Church: Planted in Prayer,” “The Church: Blessed to Be a Blessing,” and “The Church: Sent into the World.” The post-game wrap-up at 11:45 a.m. will be a picnic on the church lawn. All are welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite team jersey. Abundant Life Reformed Church is located at 475 Lafayette Avenue in Wyckoff. For more information, call (201) 444-8038, e-mail office@abundantlifewyckoff. org, or visit www.abundantlifewyckoff.org.