10 Ways to Use Patch During the Hurricane

With Hurricane Irene almost certain to impact the Lehigh Valley this weekend, the need for up-to-the minute information is even more important. 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.

Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch is as much your site as it is ours.

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 official announcements, to updates on damage, power outages and floods, we’ll have the news covered.

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, and you can be a real-time local source by commenting.

3. Connect with the local editor. Josh Popichak's email address and phone number are listed in . If you have tips, call, e-mail or text.

4. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Want information really fast? Follow us on Twitter at @HellertownPatch or over on Facebook.

5. Get the iPhone app. If the power goes out, your smartphone could end up being your information lifeline. Click here to get the Patch app for free on iTunes. Not only can you read news on it, but you can also post photos and videos.

6. Take photos. Please be safe and use caution if taking photos of the storm or its aftermath. Email photos to your local editor or upload them directly to articles that are already published on the site.

7. Shoot video. Send clips our way to help us report on the effect of Irene in your backyards.

8. 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, use our Q&A feature. Questions normally surround natural events like a hurricane, and you can look to your community via Patch for answers.

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

10. Blog about it. When all settles, scores of your fellow community members will probably 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.