But what if ...

[Liberty]

It would be a very dangerous thing to do. If there were anyone left in the home they would have every legal right to blow away those entering the house. I don't think Texas has a definition for looting. But we do make it clear we have a right to defend our property against break ins with deadly force.

[troglodyte]

How well do you know your neighbors?

[Flightmare]

I think the key to your question is, do you have a legal right to be in the other house? If your neighbors evacuated and gave you permission to take shelter in their home, that is one thing. If on the other hand, you're occupying someone else's residence without permission, then you are trespassing. IANAL though.

[parabelum]

I did not want to divert the looting thread. But I do have a question.

Suppose the roof blew off my home, and we had no power, and our stores (emergency supplies) were compromised.
I take my family to another house on the block, whose owners have evacuated prior to the storm.

Am I a "looter", or someone in a desperate situation, trying to keep my family alive?

As long as you're not stealing anything, then no, you are not a looter. You are however a trespasser, and subject to breaking and entering charges, as well as deadly force. Of course, if you know the homeowner and they've given you permission it's a moot point.

[spectre]

Am I a "looter", or someone in a desperate situation, trying to keep my family alive?

The two are not mutually exclusive. I also disagree with people who say you're trespassing if you break in. If you go into your neighbor's fenced back yard without their consent and camp there, that's trespassing. If you break into their house and take their food, that's something more serious.

[Take Down Sicko]

What if...the house is empty and water getting too high to stay in your house any longer and the vacant house is two story?

[carlson1]

You could always claim you work for the Government and you are exercising imminent domain.

You don't have, but someone else has what you want or need just take it and make sure to vote democrat.

[bblhd672]

But what if...a stuff strikes the fan scenario had occurred and you have failed to properly prepare for your family, now your family is hungry and thirsty. Your neighbor has prepared and has the necessary food and water to sustain his family during the emergency. The neighbor refuses to compromise his family's security and give you some of his family's supplies.
Do you take it by force?

No it's not the same thing the OP asked, but at the base level the question is the same. How far into law breaking will you go to save your family when you have failed to provide properly in the first place?

[Jusme]

Am I a "looter", or someone in a desperate situation, trying to keep my family alive?

The two are not mutually exclusive. I also disagree with people who say you're trespassing if you break in. If you go into your neighbor's fenced back yard without their consent and camp there, that's trespassing. If you break into their house and take their food, that's something more serious.

Only if your intent is to deprive the legal owners of property.( i.e. commit burglary)
I don't know that anyone would begrudge you for seeking safety and shelter for you and your family, but, it could be difficult to explain, if prior consent was not given. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and while I don't know if you would face legal ramifications, but your "what if" may be what if I do? Is it worth the risk, of possibly being charged with a crime, more important than getting you and your family, to safety? JMHO

[Oldgringo]

[Bitter Clinger]

Apparently you are fine if you just say that you are a "scavenger", not a looter.

But please, as a law abiding scavenger, do not ignore the "do not scavenge" signs

Authorities in the Houston enclave of Bellaire say people who have suffered losses from Harvey are complaining about scavengers descending on their neighborhoods, picking through flood-damaged items piled up in front of their homes.
Police Chief Byron Holloway is asking residents drying items they hope to salvage to not place them by debris intended for trash and to put them instead closer to their homes.
He's also suggesting that people put signs out advising they don't want their items taken, though he acknowledges that may not stop some scavengers.

http://www.fox4news.com/news/texas/278376700-story