About Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Emergency Response
The Orange County Environmental Health Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Team operates 24/7, providing emergency response to protect public health and safety. They respond to incidents involving hazardous materials and waste, addressing potential threats from physical, chemical, biological, radiological, and energetic hazards throughout the county. Their mission is to ensure the safety of residents and the environment.
Primary Duties is to provide regulatory guidance and technical expertise to mitigate and oversee the removal of hazardous substances and to investigate hazardous materials incidents. Responses:
- Hazardous Material Spills
- Environmental investigations
- Clandestine drug and explosive labs operations
- Terrorism incidents
- Chemical Complaints
Health Hazmat Team is part to the County Joint Hazard Assessment Team (JHAT) and trains with local law enforcement including Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Bomb Squad, Fire Hazmat, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Civil Support Team to respond to high hazard incidents. All members of the health HazMat team are California State Certified Technicians and Specialists, Deputized Health Officers with the health care agency and are training Terrorism Liaison Officers with the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.
Spill Release Reporting
After the initial immediate measures have been taken to protect human health and the environment:
- Call 911
- Call California Office of Emergency Services (CALOES) (800) 852-7550
- Call Local CUPA (714) 433-6406
