Oklahoma tornado victims are reunited with pets, photos, and documents, through Facebook groups dedicated to pairing found items and pets with their rightful owners. The group, “May 19th 2013 OK Tornado Doc Picture Recovery,” allows users to post photos of lost and found, pictures, and other documents.
Facebook’s “Pet Owners Resource Center” group is open for listing lost and found pets in Oklahoma. Another website , featuring lost and found pets, is sponsored by animal welfare organizations throughout Oklahoma.
The document and picture recovery group already has over 100 photos and documents posted. The group has nearly 8,000 members so far.
Members posting pictures or documents are cautioned not to include information that could lead to identity theft. Social Security numbers and bank information, specifically, should be blocked out of photos, or not included.
The group moderators remind posters: “If you have found something that you wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing personally, then please don’t share it.”
To reduce clutter in the rapidly growing group, they ask that pictures of the storm, in general, not be included. Oklahoma residents have taken some spectacular photos of the storm and the destruction. However, the group is reserved for, and dedicated to, tornado victims recovering their belongings.
The Facebook groups also offer information about volunteer sites, donations, and relief efforts. Several users have offered clothing, household items, beds and bedding, and food items. Others have offered help with cleaning and rebuilding efforts.
Lets Do It Again Resale owners have offered to donate, free of charge, any items in their store that are needed. Additionally, they are accepting donated items to distribute.
Items always in short supply after a disaster include toiletries and pet food. Oklahoma tornado victims can also find information about donation drop-off and pick-up locations , on the Facebook group.
Oklahoma tornado victims wishing to post photos of lost and found pets, can post them to the Pet Owners Resource Center Group . Additionally, a website dedicated to lost and found pets has been created by the Oklahoma Animal Welfare Division, the SPCA, and the Humane Society.
The destructive and devastating storms have torn apart several Oklahoma communities, physically. However, the outpouring of support for the Oklahoma tornado victims will help hold the communities together as they struggle to rebuild.