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Community Corner

10 Ways to Use Patch During Hurricane Sandy

We've got the community covered … with your help.

With "Frankenstorm" expected to hit Long Island, Patch will be working around-the-clock to cover updates related to the storm, but as with our reporting, the more interaction we get from users, the more comprehensive our coverage will be. Our coverage of Irene was extensive and thanks to many of you, informative. Help us get the word out on where you can get ice, what store has batteries left or what streets have lost power.

The following is a list of ways how you can use and help Patch to paint a local picture of the event.

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, we’ll have all the news covered 24-7. Refresh the homepage often, we move fast.

2. Comment. 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. If you have tips, e-mail editor Peter Verry at peter.verry@patch.com. You can also text her at (631) 219-1139.

4. Follow us on Twitter. Want the info the fastest way possible, follow Smithtown Patch on Twitter @SmithtownPatch.

5. Like us on Facebook. Patch updates all our articles on our Facebook page. To like us on Facebook, click here.

6. Take photos. Stay indoors if you plan to wait out the storm. But any photos you take of the aftermath, we’d prominently display on Patch. You can e-mail them to peter.verry@patch.com, upload them directly to articles or text them to (631) 219-1139.

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. Get the Word Out. If power is out (or turned back on) in your neighborhood or if there is a downed tree blocking your street, let your neighbors know by posting an announcement on our announcement board. Click here to post an announcement.

9. Find Emergency Numbers and Shelters. During Irene, Patch created extensive lists of evacuation routes, emergency numbers within the Town of Smithtown and some area shelters. You can find all you need to know by clicking here.

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.

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