10 Ways to Use JohnstonPatch During the Storm

With Hurricane Sandy making her way toward Rhode Island, the need for up-to-the minute info is even more important.

At JohnstonPatch, 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.

JohnstonPatch is as much your site as it is ours.

So before, during, and after Sandy, here’s how you can use JohnstonPatch: 

1. Get the news. Bookmark johnston.patch.com and check back for regular updates on the storm. Or, for updates straight to your inbox or smartphone, sign up for our email newsletter.

2. Comment. Have relevant information to an article? Jump in and make a comment. Or post photos on our Pics & Clips gallery. 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.

3. Connect with the editor. Local editor Joe Hutnak is on duty this weekend and reachable at joseph.hutnak@patch.com if you don't want to post to the live blog or elsewhere on the site. If you have tips, call, email or text (401) 369-1659 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 @JohnstonPatch.

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. Visit iTunes and download the Patch app. Not only can you read news on it, but post photos and videos as well. Show us what you are seeing.

6. Take photos. Please, stay safe during the storm. But any photos you take of the aftermath we will prominently display on JohnstonPatch. Email them to Joe or upload them directly by using the Upload link on any of our 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. Ask a question. Use our Comment board to ask important questions about what's happening in town, or send an email.

9. Ask for Volunteers. Our Announcements section lets readers post requests for volunteers. Use it. Depending on the scope of the disaster, volunteers are going to be crucial to mend the community. Any announcements posted on the site asking for volunteers will be featured prominently on the home page.

10. Blog about it. When all settles, scores of your fellow community members will have “I was there” stories to share.

Don’t keep them to yourself. Sign up to be a blogger and let your neighbors know how you held up during the storm. To sign up, just click this link and get started.