9 Ways to Use Needham Patch During the Storm

With Hurricane Sandy 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 all of our reporting, the more interaction we get from users the more comprehensive our coverage will be.

Needham Patch is as much your site as it is ours. 

So in the run-up to Sandy, here’s how you can use Patch:  

1. Get the news. When we know about storm-related news, so will you. From important town and village announcements, damages, power outages and floods, Twitter feeds and polls, we’ll have all the news covered 24-7.

2. Comment. Have relevant information to share? Jump in and leave 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.

3. Connect with the editor. Have a question, tip, storm photo or other information to share and don't feel comfortable adding it yourself? You can always email Local Editor Becca Manning at becca.manning@patch.com, or call her at 781-217-4233.

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 @NeedhamPatch.

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. 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 Needham Patch. Email them to Becca 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 Needham in your backyards.

8. 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.

9. 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 visit our Local Voices page or email becca.manning@patch.com.