I too remember the looting during Andrew. Just keep in mind in both cases the areas hit (Homestead / downtown NO) were lower income sections of the surround cities so these people were in bad shape already. Now that still does not make it right, but its a fact.

Right now saving lifes is more important then someone stealing a TV, afterall where are they going to plug it in? The big problem with looting is it's one of reasons listed as to why people don't want to leave thier homes when a storm is approaching.

Also after Andrew for every looting story you heard about there were several stories about people helping each other, donations by the truckload arriving daily and the overwhelming support for organizations like the Red Cross to your average Joe just showing up with his pickup truck full of ice in an effort to help.