With the Blizzard of 2013 whacking Barrington this weekend, the need for up-to-the minute information is important.

At Patch, we'll be working to cover the storm. But the more interaction we get from users, the more comprehensive the coverage will be. Hey, Barrington Patch is your site after all.

So, here’s how you can use Patch:

1. Get the news. When we know about storm-related news, so will you. From important town announcements, damages, power outages and floods, we’ll have all the news covered as much as we can. Check out our information center article for all the latest news and updates.

2. Comment. Have relevant information to add to the information center or to an article? Jump in and make 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. Email Editor William Rupp at william.rupp@patch.com if you don't want to post directly to the site. If you have tips, call, email or text to conserve cell phone power.

4. 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.

5. Take photos. Please, stay safe during the storm. But any photos you take of the aftermath we will prominently display on Patch. Email them or upload them directly to articles.

6. 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 the blizzard in your backyards.

7. 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, post the question to our information center article. Questions normally surround natural events like a blizzard. You can look to your community for answers.

8. Ask for Volunteers. Our Announcements section lets readers post requests for volunteers. Use it. Depending on the scope of the blizzard, volunteers could be crucial to the community. Any  announcements posted on the site asking for volunteers will be featured on the home page.

9. Blog about it. When the snow stops, 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 fared during the storm.