CFA's Bushfire Community Survey - undertaken annually since 2009/10 - has recently been released and showed more than a third of responders expected they would be told when to leave if threatened by a bushfire.

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CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said while emergency services were well prepared and the state had an effective integrated warning system, there may be some situations where Victorians won't get a warning.

"Fires can spread within minutes," he said.

"On hot, dry and windy days fires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes. You need to be prepared and paying attention to the weather conditions ahead of time.

"The community needs to know their triggers and use their senses such as sight and smell as well as their common sense to enact their fire plan."

Mr Heffernan said grassfires were prevalent this season and could move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and jump highways.

While this year's fire season outlook indicates a lower risk of prolonged bushfires, grass fires remain a high risk across the state after strong rainfall and fuel growth during spring and summer.

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"Do not drive into or through high risk areas on hot, dry, windy days," he said.

"Plan an alternate route or delay your travel, if possible. Those living in or visiting regional Victoria should monitor conditions every day and have a bushfire safety plan in place."

Warnings are issued when an incident is occurring, and you need to act. Make sure you understand the three levels of warnings and additional messages such as 'Evacuate Now':

The survey also showed nearly one in five responders believed they would definitely get help from CFA if impacted by bushfire, while more than a third believed they were likely to.

"People need a plan - exactly what are you going to do for your family, loved ones, pets and other animals if a fire occurs and a fire truck may not be able to get there?" Mr Heffernan asked.

"If you have a plan, you can act to survive."

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Victorians should know where to find the best information to stay safe and never rely on just one source of information.

Victoria's integrated warning system includes the Vic Emergency website, app and social media channels, VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226, emergency broadcasters including ABC radio, Sky News TV, commercial radio and select community radio stations.

The CFA recommends individuals check the fire danger ratings in their area every day over summer.

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