Bottled water, batteries, and toilet paper: 2 experts share items that aren't necessary to stockpile amid coronavirus fears

Shoppers have been clearing grocery store shelves of bottled water. But loading up on bottled water isn't necessary, Juthani said.

"We are fortunate to live in a country where most tap water is drinkable," Juthani told Business Insider. "Based on what we know about this disease, the water system should not be threatened."

The coronavirus is unlikely to affect the availability of drinking water in the US. However, Redlener said that some people in areas with less readily available supplies should make sure they have a 14-day supply of water at home to last through a potential quarantine.

Although batteries are generally useful to have in many emergency situations, stockpiling batteries in case of a coronavirus quarantine isn't necessary. There's also a low likelihood that the outbreak will affect major infrastructural systems like water and electricity.

Redlener said that he isn't worried about the electrical grid.

"I doubt that we'd be in any kind of situation where electricity would be down," he siad.

However, Redlener said that a 14-day supply of batteries would still be useful for families with children who play with battery-powered toys.

Hand sanitizer can help in preventing infection, but clearing the shelves of it is beyond excessive. Juthani emphasized that while hand sanitizer can be useful, most containers of hand sanitizer last a long time.

"Good old-fashioned soap and water are good enough for hand hygiene," Juthani said. "Although hand sanitizer is convenient and easy to bring with you, I think stockpiling it is not necessary."

Redlener said that while hand sanitizer can be useful, panic buying has contributed to the item being sold out in many areas.

"You want to go out and purchase backup supplies for a potential quarantine in a measured and thoughtful way and not go rushing out and just going crazy," Redlener said.

In the case of quarantine, it's necessary to make sure you have a 14-day supply of food at home. Both Redlener and Juthani emphasized a measured and gradual approach to acquiring supplies, and to avoid going overboard.

However, Redlener says, many shoppers go overboard when purchasing food supplies, loading up on cases of tuna and peanut butter. And in some urban areas where grocery and food delivery is common, it may not be necessary at all.

"It depends on where you live," Redlener said. "Because in New York City, everybody can get prepared food and grocery delivered. But in cities and urban and rural areas where that's not possible, that'd be a different story."