With regard to looting....

[jhetley]

Every bit of food in the flooding area, including stuff in waterproof packaging (like cans of soda) is probably condemned by the Health Department -- landfill fodder. That's the law in Maine, at least. And that sixpack of Bud or Pepsi may be the only safe drinking water in several miles.

Even TV sets and computers are hazardous waste once the water hits them.