Philip, I won't argue your point so much, but your rationale for it - that there's money to be made through declaring a pandemic - is kind of skewed. The CDC and WHO responded according to their pre-established protocol - so many cases and deaths reported, so many countries impacted: that's what triggers the level of alert. Lethality isn't the issue with this strain at the moment, its the ability for H1N1 to pass from person to person with relative ease. Its a relatively new strain, not brand new obviously but new enough that the majority of the population appears not to have any significant immunities through prior exposure. As others have pointed out, these are a combination of factors that cause the medical community to take extra precautions - not because swine flu will kill thousands right away, but because the virus may mutate over time and may eventually come to a strain that does begin to kill as easily as it transmits. Mutation is about as inevitable as the weather, and about as well understood. There's plenty of cause for concern with H1N1, just not the kind of immediate concern that seems to float your boat.

As for your earthquake preps, you're probably right, but make sure to review CDC and local public health sites for recommended preparations to treat family and friends who are down with serious flu in a time a pandemic - little or no medical assistance available. I found that I have lots of bandages etc, but not enough ibuprofen or liquids for rehydration. A letter to your county council people advocating for additional funding for hospital respirators and training for people to operate them wouldn't be a bad idea either.