How To Use Patch During The Hurricane

With Hurricane Irene almost certain to batter Connecticut this week, 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.

Stonington-Mystic Patch is as much your site as it is ours.

So, as Irene approaches, here’s how you can use Patch to help paint the local picture of the event.

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

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

3. Connect with the local editor. Julian McKinley's email address and phone number are listed in his profile. Use them. If you have tips, call, e-mail or more often text to conserve cell phone power.

4. 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 @WindsorPatch.

5. 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.

6. Take photos. Please, stay indoors if you plan to wait out the storm. But any photos you take of the aftermath we’d prominently display on your Patch. Email them to the editor or upload them directly to articles.

7. 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 Sandy in your backyards.

8. Like us on Facebook. Looking for fast information and photos, like us on Facebook/WindsorPatch. We'll post updates and photos as we get them, and encourage the community to share information on closures and potential trouble spots. Make sure the Facebook App is on your smart phone too, just in case the power does goes out.