Published on 25 February 2026

Cantonal hazard analysis and contingency planning

Providing a basis for concrete work at the cantonal level

Responsibility for handling disasters and emergencies lies mainly with the cantons. The federal government regulates basic aspects of civil protection and ensures the necessary coordination. In accordance with Article 13 of the Federal Act on Civil Protection and Civil Defence (CPDA), the Confederation, in cooperation with the cantons, is responsible for research and development in the field of civil protection, particularly in the areas of risk analysis and disaster and emergency management.

A hazard analysis is necessary to identify risks and, in particular, to plan preparedness measures.

The KATAPLAN guidelines summarise the key principles for carrying out a cantonal hazard analysis (Part 1) and for planning preparedness measures based on this analysis (Part 2).

Creating a standardised framework

KATAPLAN aims to ensure that disasters and emergencies can be adequately planned for and managed in an intercantonal network. This is only possible if there is a standardised process for analysing hazards and their risks. KATAPLAN is based on the principles of integrated risk management.

Target audience

The KATAPLAN guidelines are intended for cantonal civil protection experts who are involved in hazard analysis and disaster and emergency preparedness.

Hazard analysis communication

Information on hazard analyses is important for raising risk awareness among the population. Those responsible should avoid making abstract statements or alarming the public. Instead, what is needed is a clear and straightforward presentation of existing hazards, how the canton is preparing for them and where the public can find information on protecting themselves.

To this end, the FOCP has developed a guide containing practical advice and measures for planning and implementing hazard analysis communication.

• Basis for hazard analysis in the cantons

  Hazard analysis to support decision-making

  Hazard analysis is the basis for policy decisions on risk management and for planning measures to deal with disasters and emergencies. A hazard analysis identifies the hazards relevant to the canton and evaluates the resulting risks in terms of probability of occurrence and expected magnitude of damage. The result is a nuanced picture of hazards and their potential impact. This can be visualised, for example, as a risk matrix.

  Pragmatic analysis method

  Part 1 of the KATAPLAN Guide describes how to analyse hazards at the cantonal level.

  It involves the following four steps:

  • Selecting the relevant hazards
    The hazards relevant to the canton are selected from a catalogue of hazards.
  • Developing scenarios
    The relevant hazards are described using scenarios. The corresponding risks are evaluated by experts and specialised agencies or quantified on the basis of statistical data.
  • Visualising the risks
    The identified risks are visualised in a risk matrix. This provides a basis for planning preparedness measures.
  • Documenting the results
    The hazard analysis is documented in a report that includes recommendations for further action and implementation.

  Tools

  As part of KATAPLAN, tools have been developed to help cantons carry out hazard analyses.

  The documents ‹Betroffene Bereiche› and ‹Schadenregister› (not available in English) explain how to systematically record the impact of hazards on different areas and emergency services, and are useful tools for analyses. Both documents must be adapted to the hazards to be analysed and to individual circumstances and needs (e.g. by adding new areas and effects, and removing others). The documents are provided in MS Word format, so that they can be edited by the users.

  Professional support from the FOCP

  On request, the FOCP can assist the cantons in this process. This approach has proved useful in that it allows the cantons to benefit from the experience of the FOCP and other cantons when carrying out their own hazard analyses.

• Basics for planning preparedness measures

  The best way to deal with disasters and emergencies as effectively as possible is to be prepared for them. Well-organised disaster and emergency preparedness can limit damage and reduce the impact of hazards.

  Part 2 of the KATAPLAN Guide illustrates the methodology and general approach to planning preparedness measures to address the hazards and corresponding risks that were identified in Part 1. These preparedness measures are either preventive or responsive.

  Preventive measures work before a disaster or emergency occurs: they aim to reduce or eliminate it altogether.

  Response measures are taken when a disaster or emergency is in progress or after it has occurred.

  Both types of measures are closely linked and should therefore be coordinated. However, as prevention does not fall within the narrower remit of civil protection, it is only addressed in general terms in the KATAPLAN Guide.

Further information

• Documents

  • Betroffene Bereiche

    Word375.30 kB1 January 2013

  • Leitfaden Kataplan - Kantonale Gefährdungsanalyse und Vorsorge

    PDF951.67 kB1 January 2013

  • Schadenregister

    Word80.92 kB1 January 2013

• Links

  • Documents on hazards and risks