An Irene Version of Social Media Saturday

Here at Wilmington Patch, social media is a big deal and every week we give you a look at the top Facebook interaction of the week. This week, however, we bring you a special edition of the column. 

Last Sunday, with high winds and rains. In Wilmington, rain wasn't much of an issue, but the wind knocked down about 100 trees.

During the storm, our Facebook followers were the biggest reason we were able to cover the storm with up to the minute details. So this week, we provide you a look at our top Irene related Facebook posts.

Overheard on Facebook

Here is a sampling of comments and happenings on our Facebook page and the social media world from the past week:

• At the beginning of the storm, Wilmington Patch's Facebook Page had 703 loyal followers. By the time Irene had blown out of Wilmington, our total peaked up to 728, a total increase of 25 fans. Now let's keep moving towards 800, and eventually 1,000. Spread the word!
• An impressive feat during Irene was the amount of photos and comments made by our followers. A total of 82 comments were made about storm related topics, and throughout the day. Thanks for your help!
• Early in the day, Michele Lane Widomski posted a story that showed just how dangerous the storm could get. "I actually saw the limb fall, and transformer caught fire," she said. "Not a big fire but small flames nonetheless. I called it in. Hope everyone stays safe!"
• Janice Walsh Stevens told us how Irene hit close to home for her, literally. "Top of pine tree just fell in my front yard on South Street, missing my house by inches," she said. Stevens posted a photo of the tree, which .
• Jay Keane was particularly helpful throughout the day, keeping readers up to date on incidents they should stay away from. He offered advice after wires were toppled on Parker Street. "(Inside the house) is the safest place," wrote Keane. "Always assume that downed wires are still alive. Reading Light is out and doing a great job trying to keep up."
• Leigh John Martinson asked readers, "Has anyone been able to get through to RMLD?," she posted. "There is a tree down Marion St. and it's laying across the wires. VZ pole #44." Mathew Jancsics provided an answer. "Called once this a.m. The preconnect message says use option 2 but their phone tree once you got past said something else," he wrote. "They did answer though and took my info at the time."
• Reading Light had some good news for Kerri Scifo-St. Onge. "Just spoke to RML they are 'hoping' to restore service today...we are on Hopkins Street," she said. Though not all power was back by Monday, the majority of residents had theirs back. .
• Cindy Desjardins Stratouly's wall post late Sunday night just about summed up the frustration of Irene. "Just lost our Comcast cable! I thought the worst was over but turned on TV at 10:45 and settled down to watch news and the screen went blank at about 10:50," she said. "No TV, no phone, no computer! AND we did pay the bill!! ;) I'm just thankful for my Blackberry!!! Nighty night, Wilmington! Matthew, thank you for all you do! Wilmington Patch is wonderful!!" Thanks for the kind words, Cindy!

Social Media page of the week

• Next Sunday marks the 10-year anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Patch is honoring the day with in depth coverage of events and stories from communities around the country. Become a fan of the September 11 Patch page to read all of them.

Your town on Facebook

• For more Facebook pages Wilmington residents might find interesting, check out our list of "liked" pages on Wilmington Patch's Facebook. And don’t forget to follow Wilmington Patch on Facebook. You also can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/wilmingtonpatch.