Yep, the 5th states "nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." The problem usually comes with two parts of that statement open to interpretation; "public use" and "just compensation".

There are some sweetheart construction deals that go hand in hand with "public use" and "just compensation" has some laughably low numbers in the annals of eminent domain.

I'm no constitutional scholar, but Cooper City likely didn't even have to spell this out. Even though the Bill of Rights are Federal, most states had similar and some more extensive rights, but today I believe that there has been enough case law that extends those rights to the States.

This is why people shouldn't go to shelters... for the priveledge of suckling at the teat of the government largess, you have to give up anything you bring with you if they see fit. It's also why you should keep your own survival gear quiet and unannounced to any who aren't like minded (or family). I can see many situations where some guy sees the lights on at his neighbor and uses his influence to force the guy to share with others in the name of public use. Now, extend that to food, water, shelter, and other supplies and you get the drift.

I think that largely this law would apply to otherwise secured equipment where the owners are unreachable (due to evacuation) until such time as they can return it and pay for it's use. If the owner is there, they would probably ask nicely, but in an emergency, maybe not.

Again, all the more reason to keep your own gear to yourself and out of sight. And make sure you don't go overboard with using lights - or your generator will make a nice target, if not for government, for looters. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />