In a pandemic, you might not be able to get to a store, or stores might be out of supplies. Officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend keeping at least a two-week supply of food, water and medical supplies for each person in the household, and for others, including elderly relatives who would need care.

Items to have on hand include:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans and soups

• Protein or fruit bars

• Dry cereal or granola

• Peanut butter or nuts

• Dried fruit

• Dried milk

• Crackers

• Canned juices

• Bottled water

• Canned or jarred baby food and formula

• Pet food

• Other nonperishable foods

• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment

• Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60 to 95 percent) hand sanitizer

• Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

• Thermometer

• Antidiarrheal medication

• Vitamins

• Fluids with electrolytes, such as Pedialyte or Gatorade

• Flashlight

• Batteries

• Portable radio

• Manual can opener

• Garbage bags

• Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers

• Cleansing cloths or wipes

• Disposable plates, cups and cutlery