A variety of federal authorities work closely together with operators of nuclear power plants and with the cantons and municipalities to prevent emergencies in and in the vicinity of nuclear facilities. The aim here is to protect the nearby population and their livelihoods, and limit the impacts of any incident or emergency that may occur.

The duties of the involved authorities, the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate and the National Alarm Centre are specified in the ordinance on the prevention of emergencies. The  Federal Radiation Protection Act and its associated Ordinance also contain provisions governing the prevention of emergencies, and the Federal Office of Civil Protection carries out periodical exercises and emergency drills.