Does the US president have this authority?

[Lestat]

I know the commander in chief can order his military in harms way. But can he order US citizens to their death? I'm referring to his zero tolerance policy on looting in New Orleans. He implied that even if your family is struggling to survive and/or near death, that his orders are to stay put. Help is on its way.

I take this to mean that ANY looting is forbidden and that if US aide doesn't arrive in time, then the thing to do is to let your family die. Am I misunderstanding the president on this?