Ballarat district residents are asked to start planning now for a hotter than average summer rather than panicking at the last minute.

CFA community safety director Naomi Brown said people were more likely to survive bushfires in country areas and suburbs if they stopped to think about it now.

"CFA's research tells us that a lot of people say they will just wait and see what happens," she said.

"This is a recipe for tragedy, and trying to leave last is the most dangerous thing you can do.

"The statistics really say that the most people who are killed at a bushfire are escaping in the open."

Ms Brown said the first decision people should make was whether to stay and defend their houses or evacuate early.

Those who want to stay should be prepared and have a bushfire survival plan ready, she said.

Sometimes smoke and flames are the first sign of a bushfire, so the CFA wants people to start getting their homes in order now.

"If there's a fire in your area quite frankly it's too late to do the preparation," she said.

"It's something that does take some thinking and some planning and a bit of work around the house. You need to involve your whole family. It's about being aware of fire as a natural part of the Australian environment."

Ms Brown said people needed to "do their bit" to save their homes.

"The CFA will attend every fire, but may not be able to have a fire truck at every single house," she said.

"The best thing for people to do is join a community fireguard."

For more information call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800240667.