Ways to Use Patch During the Storm

With Hurricane Irene making her way toward New England this weekend, the need for up-to-the minute info is even more important. At Patch, we will be working around-the-clock to cover the storm, but as with of our reporting, the more interaction we get from users the more comprehensive our coverage will be.

Wakefield Patch is as much your site as it is ours. So in the run-up to Hurricane Sandy, here’s how you can use Patch:

1. Comment. Have relevant information to add to the live blog or to an article? Jump in and make a comment. Or post photos. These storm stories will continue to evolve as we speak to more officials and locals. You can be a real-time source by commenting and sharing what you're seeing.

2. Connect with the editor. Email william.laforme@patch.com if you have tips, call, email or text to conserve cell phone power.

3. Follow us on Twitter. Before we write an article we tweet the news out to our followers. Want the info the fastest way possible, follow Wakefield Patch on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

4. Get the iPhone app. If the power goes out, your smartphone may end up being your only tool for getting the info on what’s going on in your community. Click here to get the Patch app for free on iTunes. Not only can you read news on it, but post photos and videos as well. Show us what you are seeing.

5. Take photos. Please, stay safe during the storm. But any photos you take of the aftermath we will prominently display on Wakefield Patch. Email them to william.laforme@patch.com or upload them directly to articles.

6. Shoot videos. Same goes for video. Our smartphones have put high-powered video cameras in our pockets. Send clips our way to help us report on the effect of Irene in your backyards.

7. Ask a question. If trees are down in your neighborhood but you want to know if your neighbors a few blocks away have the same damage, or if you want to ask someone in a flood-prone area how they waterproofed their house, post the question, email your local editor at william.laforme@patch.com and he'll do his best to get you the answer.

8. Ask for Volunteers. Our Announcements section lets readers post requests for volunteers. Use it if the need presents itself. Any announcements posted on the site asking for volunteers will be featured prominently on the home page.