I realize the scope of Hurrican Andrew was smaller than this, but still... ya know how we prevented armed gangs from taking over? Everywhere you looked, there were hand painted signs "Looters will be KILLED", and guess what, a couple of them were shot to death, one at point blank range, in the face, the guy had powder burns on his face. It made the news. My neighbor loaned me his 9mm for a few months.. it was known that in Homestead florida, people down there were a little bit red-necky, and would not hesitate to shoot. Every block was its own "armed gang" to counter anyone who came in looking for loot. It was Robert Heinlein's fantasy world, and the good guys won.
That is exactly what needed to be done there. Some NO homeowners might be doing the same--but my guess is most sensible people got out of town before the hurricane hit.