F. Baehler, Th. Peter & J. Diebold (Ernst Basler & Partners Ltd., Zollikerstrasse 65, 8702 Zollikon, Switzerland)

Which natural disasters can threaten the Swiss society, what are the expected consequences, and what is the relative importance of these dangers? To answer these questions, a comparative quantitative risk analysis has been elaborated. In view of the broad range of dangers facing society and given the budget retrains, the overall assessment will improve contingency planning and helps setting priorities. Therefore the results provide basis for authorities and policy-makers who are thinking about the future and who need to make better choices - maybe a decisive step from theory to practice.