Richard Mize

Oklahoma tornadoes: The 'Big Dog,' the little boy and the hug that triumphs over tragedy

newsok.com — Diana Routon gently taught the neighbor boy. "You need to ask," she told him. "And you really need to knock." Hezekiah learned to ask. But he never really learned to knock. Felt too much at home around Big Dog, Hezekiah's nickname for Jim Routon. "I've told him, you don't have to ring," Routon said.

Central Oklahoma builder has rebuilt before in Moore

newsok.com — Homebuilder Marvin Haworth has built and rebuilt in the Moore area and will rebuild again after yet another massive tornado. "This is worse than the '99 tornado. It's unbelievable, of what I've seen so far," said Haworth, who developed the neighborhood and built many of the houses around Briarwood Elementary School, 14901 S Hudson Ave., which was destroyed.

Realtors look for housing for Oklahoma tornado victims

newsok.com — Realtor executives from Missouri and Kansas have offered to help with the response here, CEO Lisa Noon said. "We have received many offers of supplies from all over the country," Noon said. "The Realtor family is truly coming together to help our folks in Moore.

Tornado Alley: It could be anywhere

usatoday.com — More and more places in the USA are susceptible to extreme weather these days. Kendra Riel, left, Alicia Riel and Brock Hubble, front, look for salvageable items at 15th and Santa Fe streets in Moore, Okla.

Red Cross text donations not designated for Oklahoma

newsok.com — A representative of the local chapter, however, promised money donated to the local organization will be used for relief efforts in Oklahoma. Ann Marie Borrego, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., verified Tuesday that money donated by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999 will instead go toward a national disaster recovery fund.

Oklahoma Attorney General: Post-tornado donors beware

newsok.com — Pruitt cautioned people to be wary of repair services and contractors who: - Solicit for work door-to-door. - Offer discounts for finding other customers. - "Just happen to have" materials left over from a previous job. - Accept only cash payments. - Pressure you for an immediate decision.

Price gouging law in effect in Oklahoma after tornadoes

newsok.com — "We have 35 investigators in Moore, Shawnee, Carney and elsewhere today to check on these potential problems," said Diane Clay, director of communications for Attorney General Scott Pruitt. Scrutiny fell on hotels, car rental agencies and other providers of goods and services needed immediately during an emergency.

How to help tornado victims

newsok.com — RED CROSS The Oklahoma Red Cross is asking people to donate by texting Red Cross to 90999 which will be a $10 donation, spokesman Ken Garcia said. Garcia said the donations allow the Red Cross purchase needed supplies. Those who are looking for family members can visit www.safeandwell.org, Garcia said.