From The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi PA, Wednesday, June 28, 1944, page 6:
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CITIZENS IN STORM AREA PROTECTED FROM SPOILAGE OF FOOD
Harrisburg, June 28--(UP)-- Citizens in the Western Pennsylvania area swept last weekend by a tornado are being protected from food spoilage by State Agricultural Department inspectors, it was reported today. The Department said much tainted food has already been condemned, including 1,000 pounds of meat in a mcKeesport butcher shop, 350 pounds at Port Vu and $3,000 worth at Greenock. Most of the spoilage resulted from refrigeration failure after power lines were destroyed by the tornado. |
Note: When a tornado or flood occurs in a rural, farmlands area, it would have affected food supply greatly since local farmers would have been unable to bring corn, wheat, and other crop to local markets (or ship to outside markets). Loss of crops meant for livestock meant being unable to feed any remaining livestock without help of neighbors. Storm-related deaths of livestock and fowl meant the owners either had to quickly use up the meat from these accidental "kills"--IF the meat was deemed usable. Otherwise, if not suitable for human consumption, the carcasses were likely destroyed (burned) or buried in deep pits. Initially, more people would have been recovering from their own injuries, so during early recovery phases, it would have been harder for farmers to attend to their crops and to the living and deceased livestock, helping to prevent spread of disease, and concern themselves with rebuilding houses, barns, and farm out-buildings.
Sources:
The Charleroi Mail newspaper, Charleroi PA, numerous articles.
