Less than a month after the Australian state of Queensland was hit by a series of devastating floods in January 2011, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the New Zealand city of Christchurch, which was then followed by the category 9 earthquake that caused the devastating effects of the Japan tsunami. With three natural disasters in three months demolishing three different countries, the subject of crisis management has never been more topical.

Photo by Rob Maccoll

Here are a few important links to help those affected by January's devastating floods:

If you have a question about your insurance policy, or need help identifying your insurer, call the Insurance Council of Australia's 24-hour emergency hotline on 1300 728 228.

The Building Services Authority (BSA)

Information and advice for residents, builders and trade contractors on rebuilding and repairing damaged homes.

Electrical and workplace safety after flooding

Stay safe as you clean up after flooding. Be aware of electrical hazards and other general cleanup dangers including safe removal of asbestos and use of chainsaws.

Plumbing and flood damaged premises

Some simple advice for repairing your flood damaged pool fencing, plumbing and homes.

Gas safety for flood-inundated properties

Flood inundated homes and businesses with LPG or natural gas installations must engage a licensed gas fitter before reconnection and use of appliances. Licensed gas fitters can be found in the Yellow Pages, local newspapers or this home improvements website. 

A highly effective, five point checklist to help your business respond to a crisis.

Weather Proof Your Business: Incident Response Kit

Learn about the four stages of crisis management and how to prepare, control and recover.

Tourism Risk Management: An Authoritative Guide to Managing Crises in Tourism

A practical framework within which tourism destinations can identify, analyse, evaluate, treat, monitor and review risks in the tourism context.