The Continuing Challenge

09/03/2026

September is National Preparedness Month — and preparedness is at the heart of hazmat response. 📋
From transportation incidents and chemical releases to natural disasters and large-scale emergencies, readiness starts long before the call comes in.
Training, planning, communication, and coordination help responders protect themselves, their teams, and the communities they serve. ⚠️

08/31/2026

As summer wraps up, it’s a good time to refocus on preparedness. 📋
Hazmat response does not slow down with the seasons. Transportation incidents, industrial emergencies, chemical exposures, severe weather, and public safety events require year-round readiness.
Train now. Prepare now. Respond ready. ⚠️

08/25/2026

Be sure to stop by the General Store during the 37th Annual Continuing Challenge Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Workshop!
🛍️ General Store Hours:
Tuesday, September 8: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 9: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 10: 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Come by, say hello and check out what’s available during the workshop!
Learn more:

THE 37TH ANNUAL HAZMAT WORKSHOP STUDENT REGISTRATION FOR 2026 WILL OPEN THE FIRST PART OF JUNE Instructors class submiting is now closed. Exhibitor registration is open. Here are the dates for our 37th Annual Workshop in 2026 Workshop Dates: September 8 – 11, 2026 Exhibitor Dates: September 9 – ...

08/20/2026

📣 Mark Your Calendars!
The 37th Annual Continuing Challenge HazMat Workshop is set for September 8–11, 2026 in Sacramento, CA at the DoubleTree by Hilton!
This week-long event brings together hazmat professionals for hands-on training, interactive sessions, and real-world skill building focused on all things hazardous materials response.
Whether you’re new to hazmat or a seasoned responder, this is where responders learn, connect, and elevate capabilities together.

08/19/2026

Emergency response is humanitarian work. 🌎
On World Humanitarian Day, we recognize those who step into dangerous, complex, and uncertain situations to protect life, property, and the environment.
Hazmat responders, emergency managers, fire service professionals, EMS, law enforcement, dispatchers, and support teams all play a role in helping communities through crisis.

08/18/2026

Countdown to

The Continuing Challenge HazMat Workshop
Tuesday, 8 September 2026

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08/18/2026

Check out the most recent issue of The Challenge Chronicle and get ready for the upcoming workshop!

Topics include (but not limited to) lithium-ion battery incidents, radiation, gas detection, chemical identification, incident command, risk communication, emerging threats, battery energy storage systems (BESS), alternative fuel vehicles, illicit labs and more. 

08/15/2026

🚨 Get ready for the 37th Annual Continuing Challenge HazMat Workshop! 🚨
📅 Workshop Dates: September 8–11, 2026
📍 Location: DoubleTree Hotel, Sacramento, CA
🕒 Early Bird Registration Ends: Aug. 15th

08/10/2026

Don’t Miss the Opening Ceremony!🎉
Join us on Wednesday, September 9, from 7:30–9:30 a.m. for keynote speaker Michael Callan and his presentation:
Two Centuries of Hazardous Materials Response: Are We Smarter, Wiser—or Still Just Lucky?🍀
After 50 years of response, training, and planning, Mike will explore how HazMat☣️ response has evolved, which incidents and instructors shaped the profession, and whether today’s responders are truly better prepared. He’ll also look at the lessons that can’t be learned from a book, the value of experience-based training, and how the next generation can preserve that hard-earned knowledge as AI becomes more integrated into education and emergency response. 🚨
Start the Continuing Challenge with a thought-provoking look at where HazMat response has been—and where it’s headed.

08/07/2026

On Purple Heart Day, we honor the brave men and women who were wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 💜
Many veterans continue their service in public safety, emergency management, fire service, hazmat response, EMS, law enforcement, and training roles.
Today, we recognize their courage, sacrifice, and continued commitment to protecting others.