For history teacher Marie Chabanel, disaster preparedness is more than just a concept taught in classrooms. To her, it’s a vital skill that can make the difference between chaos and safety. Her understanding of its importance was deeply shaped by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

“Certainly, I think the experiences of 9/11 helped a lot of us to learn about disaster preparedness and also responding to situations,” Chabanel explained. On that day, her husband was in New York City. Though he was not near the World Trade Center, witnessing the emergency response teams rushing to help left a lasting impression. “Watching responding teams go to the World Trade Center and knowing that there was a plan in place to be able to try to rescue people… definitely showed the importance of having a plan for a disaster of all kinds.”

That experience reinforced her belief that planning ahead can save lives. In her daily life, Chabanel takes steps to stay alert and proactive. “I try to always look around to make sure that there’s no one around that shouldn’t be around and that students are making safe choices,” she said. This situational awareness not only protects her but also helps keep her students safe during school hours.

Chabanel compares preparedness to teaching. When a teacher doesn’t prepare for a lesson, things can quickly unravel. “If you don’t prepare for a lesson and you get up in front of a group of students, you don’t do as well as you would if you had been better prepared,” she explained. “Things don’t go smoothly. Students don’t necessarily understand as well.” The same principle applies to emergencies; preparation leads to smoother, safer responses.

Living in Southern California, where earthquakes and other natural disasters are a constant possibility, Chabanel stresses the need for community planning. “I think that we all need to rely on each other and make sure that we talk about the potential of there being some kind of disaster,” she said. She encourages families and neighbors to discuss plans ahead of time, so everyone knows how to act when disaster strikes.

Whether it’s having an emergency kit, knowing evacuation routes, or simply checking in on one another, preparation is key. Chabanel’s message is clear: by staying ready and working together, communities can face challenges with strength and resilience.

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