[RBroadfoot]

"why couldn't those gas stations not be open after Katrina and Rita even though they had no electricity?"

Because it couldn't be done SAFELY. It's against the law (OSHA, EPA, and state law) to dispense gasoline in such a manner. Thieves generally aren't concerned about such things.

Duh.

[P-40]

Because it couldn't be done SAFELY.

The safety rules typically don't apply in an area that has been declared a disaster zone. The feeling is that it is better to have fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, and so forth with gasoline than without.