"Five Things you Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section.

1. Be sure to keep plenty of liquids on hand, because it's going to be hot on Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from 12-7 p.m. in the area as temperatures will climb near triple digits. According to Weather.com, temperatures will spike all the way to 96^° on Wednesday to go with mostly sunny skies and a 10 percent chance of rain.

2. Your kids can learn how to use a video camera on Wednesday, and at no charge. WCTV is teaching basic camera skills and tricks to making videos at 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. Following the one-hour sessions, children will have the chance to check out video equipment if interested.

3. In case you missed it, the sharp eyes of one police dispatcher brought a happy end to the search for a missing woman. Wilmington Police officers searched for several hours for a missing woman named Rita, who has Alzheimer's, on Tuesday. Just after 4 p.m., a dispatcher who was driving home spotted her, and she was returned home safely.

4. Interested in blogging for Wilmington Patch? You can share your thoughts on local issues and anything else on your mind. Just e-mail Local Editor Matt Schooley for details on how to write in the Local Voices section of the site.

5. Thanks to a few new followers early in the week, Patch's Facebook status is moving towards its next milestone. We now have 1,381 fans, thanks to three new followers on Tuesday. All you have to do to join our fan base is log on to our Facebook page and click "Like." It's an easy and fun way to keep up on everything local. Already a fan? Help spread the word as we continue towards 1,800 on our way to 2,000. Thanks for your support, Wilmington!