10 Ways To Use Patch During the Storm

With Hurricane Sandy almost certain to bring flooding and high winds this week, the need for up-to-the minute info is crucial.

At Patch, we will be working around-the-clock to cover the storm, but as with all of our reporting, the more interaction we get from users, the more comprehensive our coverage will be.

Here’s how you can use Patch to tell the world what's happening in your neighborhood and to find out what's happening around town as this historic storm barrels through our area:

1. Get the news. When we know about storm-related news, so will you. From important town and state announcements to storm damage, power outages and flooding, we’ll have all the news covered 24/7. Refresh the homepage often - we move fast.

2. Sign up for the newsletter. Get breaking news and updates delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for the free newsletter here.

3. Connect with the local editor. Doylestown Patch Editor Sarah Larson will be available throughout the storm and in the aftermath. E-mail her at Sarah.larson@patch.com.

4. Follow us on Twitter. We frequently tweet news and important links out to followers. If you want the info the quickest way possible, follow @doylestownpatch; when you tweet to us, use hashtag #sandypa. 

5. Comment. If you have relevant information to add to an article, jump in and post a comment. We’ll follow up and likely add it to the story. These storm stories will continue to evolve as we speak to more officials and locals. You can be a real-time source by commenting.

6. Take photos. Please, stay indoors if you plan to wait out the storm. But any photos or videos you take from the safety of your home or during the aftermath, we’d prominently display on your Patch. Upload photos directly to articles.

7. Closings/Postponements. If you're shutting down your business due to Hurricane Sandy, or are postponing an event, shoot an email over to Sarah.larson@patch.com and include the closing and expected re-opening times, and we'll let participants and your customers know. You also can post your note directly to an article as a comment.

8. Blog about it. When all settles, you and scores of your neighbors will have “I was there” stories to share. Don’t keep them to yourself. Sign up to be a blogger on this site and let your neighbors know how you held up during the storm.

9. 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.

10. Ask for Volunteers. Our "Announcements" section lets readers post requests for volunteers. Use it. Depending on the scope of the disaster, volunteers could be crucial to repair the damage from the storm. Any  "Volunteers Needed" announcements posted on the site can be featured  prominently on the homepage.