As part of our effort to get more involvement from our readers, we often talk about soliciting photos from readers on big events -- proms, graduations, things like that.

But don't forget that the readers can help on breaking news, too. A great example of that came this past weekend from the Rockford Register Star.

Friday night, a train hauling ethanol derailed in Rockford and caught fire. One woman was killed and several other people were injured.

The Register Star had heavy coverage from its staff, of course. But in addition to that, the staff solicited reader photos and video, as well as calling out for any other information readers could provide.

See the reader-submitted photos here.

See the eyewitness video here (scroll to the bottom).

Here's some tips on how to get help from readers when news breaks.

Ask early, ask often

Unless one of your staff members happens to be in the right place at the right time, a member of the public is going to be the first to witness the breaking news. So, put up a quick note on your Web site right away asking for photos, video and eyewitness accounts. It doesn't need to be much. Keep it in a prominent position on the site and include it when you start putting a gallery together. Here's how Rockford did it:

Do you have photos from Friday's train derailment, or from the aftermath? Send them to local@rrstar.com. Be sure to include your name, city of residence and daytime phone number (your phone number will not be published). Also, include the day and time you took the photos.

Don't forget to ask on the scene -- or on the phone

If you're out covering something and talking to witnesses, ask each one the same question: Do you have any photos or video of the event? Even if it's a cell phone video that they're going to post to YouTube, it can work as long as the quality isn't completely terrible. Or, the person may have had a digital camera in the car when they came on the scene. If you get readers calling in to report what happened, don't forget to ask them as well.

Cover the bases

Make sure you get permission from the readers to use the photos both in print and on the Web site. (And, if it's news of a broad interest, to submit to the News Service.) While most readers are more than happy to give permission for the photo to be used in all formats, you don't want somebody calling up mad because they didn't want the photo on the Web for whatever reason.

Casey Laughman is Illinois Regional Editor for GateHouse News Service. Contact him at claughman@gatehousemedia.com.