When Should be be FULLY Prepared During Outbreak?

Im not saying we shoudlnt be prepared for SHTF. I do have good amount of food water, precious metals, guns and ammo. However, I am not FULLY prepared for an Ebola Pandemic. Im mostly prepared for an economic collapse and earthquake, since I live in California. Im afraid this is going to be another dupe just like the Swine Flu. I seriously dont want to spend hundreds of dollars, or even thousands just to buy preparations for an outbreak.

Im talking about gas masks, hazmat suits, ect ect.... I seriously dont have alot of money, so if I do end up buying alot of shit, and this Ebola outbreak turns out to be another dupe, then I cant get my money back.

However, if it DOESNT turn out to be another dupe, when should we be fully prepared, before the masses find out? For example, should we go out and buy shit when thousands of people die in the US or what?