Countywide Hazmat Operations Group
Since its inception in 2005, the Countywide Hazmat Operations Group (CHOG) fosters strong partnerships among agencies with responsibilities involving hazardous materials (hazmat) incidents. These multi-disciplinary relationships demonstrate collaboration that results in an enhanced capability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and/or explosive device threats.
CHOG consists of hazmat teams from EMD, CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, Riverside County Sheriff's Hazardous Device Team, County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health, Riverside University Health System - Public Health, as well as the cities of Corona, Hemet and Riverside.
Goals of CHOG include:
- Standardize equipment
- Develop joint response procedures
- Enhance training opportunities
- Share resources
- Test joint response capabilities
These goals are accomplished through committee meetings, training sessions and exercises. Funding is provided through the State Homeland Security Grant Program, administered by EMD.