In August, Mount Clear and Mount Helen were named among the 52 worst fire danger areas in the state.

Ballarat East MLA Geoff Howard said residents of those suburbs would need to take into account the capacity of the road in their fire planning for this summer.

"That road couldn't handle a mass exodus," Mr Howard said.

For the first time, Victorian residents will be urged to leave their properties if conditions reach "catastrophic" levels like those of February's Black Saturday fires.

Such warnings are expected to be issued well in advance of the worst conditions, theoretically allowing residents time to get out before a major fire hit.

But Mr Howard said the onus was on residents to prepare for the worst and heed the warnings of fire authorities when they came.

"If they are planning to leave, they need to not leave at the last minute."

Earlier this year, residents told The Courier of their frustrations with the state of Main Rd-Geelong Rd.

Many called for the duplication of the road, which carries big traffic numbers during morning and afternoon peak hours.

Mr Howard said he had been working with organisations, including the Ballarat City Council and VicRoads, about lobbying for funding to improve the road conditions.

He said the status of Mt Clear and Mt Helen would strengthen the case for improvements to be put to Roads Minister Tim Pallas.

Ballarat Mayor Judy Verlin said people in the area needed to plan ahead

"It's everybody's responsibility to understand the environment they are in and to have plans in process to ensure their personal safety," Cr Verlin said.

South ward Cr Ben Taylor said access for emergency services could be an issue if a fire struck during peak traffic times.