Water and toilet paper shortages are forcing local stores to ration their remaining supply as worried citizens rush to buy.

Many local stores such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Kroger have empty shelves, and, as a result, have limited water purchases to two packages per customer.

Residents are taking to social media to post images and videos of the scarcity of toilet paper, wipes, water, rice and other food staples.

While there are currently no stores in Muskingum County known to be price gouging, a practice of increasing the price of supplies following a state of emergency, stores are limiting the quantity of various items to limit those who might over-purchase.

According to Ready.gov, a government website run by FEMA, those preparing for a pandemic should have a two weeks supply of food and water. They should also have an ample supply of their prescription drugs, have copies of health records from doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies and have a plan with their family members should someone in their household become ill.

During a Pandemic to prevent the spread of infection, the CDC recommends avoiding close contact with people who are sick and to wash hands often. They also recommend when you are sick to keep your distance from others and to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.