"So, you have fire (several different kinds - no wonder your BOL burnt down, you pyro!) and some tools.

First, I would suggest you go door to door. Ring the bell, knock, etc. Find out which homes have noone there. Plenty of homes will be empty, but despite the movies, people will still lock their doors and leave their home looking lived-in.

Once you have a few houses noted as likely empty (someone could always be laying low inside), choose one and make a discrete enterence.

Inside, if the plumbing still works fill any contianer you can with water (tubs, sinks, cups, bowls, trashcans, vases, pots, airmatresses, etc).

Look for shelf stable foods - most homes will still have some. Canned food, dry beans, half-empty peanut butter, etc. If there is still food in the fridge or freezer, have out until the power is out for a few days.

Look for some soda or bottled water - first to drink, then to use to hold water. The recycling bin is a good place to look for waterbottles even if the place is scavanged.

Find a good means to carry stuff. School bags, a hobo sack (sheet and a belt), or even the cover off of a couch cushion. If there is more than you can take, squirrel it away in the house - making a mental note of where the supplies are. Places that other might miss, like inside of a boxspring or couch frame or places people wouldn't bother to look (like the back of a child's closet).

Quickly move to the next house and try to "process" several of them. Leave them looking untouched, if possible.

Once you have a few houses processed, choose the most defendable one and work on moving your supplies there. Hard work will be your salvation. Fortify that house as best you can."

"So what you're trying to say is that Wal-Mart will be empty? My moms friend works there and she says there is ten times as much food and supplies in the warehouse behind the store. Even if the stores miraculasly were cleaned out I'd just look for Wal-Mart semis as I traveled the open road."

"Got Asda?"