What are Category 1 and Category 2 Responders?

A Category 1 responder is any body in the UK that has specific duties as determined under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that includes:

Local Authorities:
- Hampshire County Council.
- Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.
- Eastleigh Borough Council.
- East Hants District Council.
- Fareham Borough Council.
- Gosport Borough Council
- Isle of Wight Council.
- New Forest District Council.
- Portsmouth City Council.
- Rushmoor Borough Council.
- Southampton City Council.
- Test Valley Borough Council.
- Winchester City Council.

Government agencies:
- Environment Agency.

Emergency Services:
- Hampshire Constabulary.
- Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service.
- Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
- Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
- South Central Ambulance Service.
- Maritime and Coastguard Services Agency.

Health Bodies:
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Health Protection Agency.
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Strategic Health Authority.

Category 2 responders are those who have a role in supporting Category 1 responders in their duties under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) and include:

Utilities:
- Electricity.
- Gas.
- Water and sewerage.
- Public communications providers (landlines and mobiles).

Transport:
- Network Rail.
- Train Operating Companies (passenger and freight).
- Airports.
- Highways Agency.

Government:
- Health and Safety Executive.

Health Sector:
- Strategic Health Authority. The voluntary agencies are also actively involved in assisting Cat 1 & 2 responders to successfully resolve major emergencies.