In my opinion, defending your supplies from citizen looters really comes down to the laws in your state. If you are allowed to defend your home/vehicle and not required to retreat, then I think you are on safe ground in doing so.

Defending them against public officials is much more problematical. If you give them up and the official's actions are later found to be unlawful/unconstitutional, the most you will get is the monetary value of the goods. If you resist and are injured or killed you or your heirs may not even get that. Think about it: is anyone aware of any legal justification for threatening and/or using deadly force against a police officer who is acting in an official capacity and in good faith? I think it would be foolhardy at best.

As others have mentioned, keep 'em hidden. (Although even that might not be enough if you are being forcibly evacuated... <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />)

Regards, Vince

P.S.: I don't know about you but I'd be leery of bringing up the subject with my representatives. They seem to delight in doing foolish things for the public good, and might just "clarify" our right to stockpile supplies right out of existance.