Following Black Summer 2019-20 council has taken active steps to encourage residents to prepare for the the coming bushfire season through a simple, five steps Get Ready program.

So, make sure you, your family and your neighbours Get Ready following the steps on your household copy of the Get Ready plan," Cr West said.

This week step four shares information on how to be aware of bushfire alerts around you, especially during the fire danger season.

"The first way to keep updated is to watch for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Fire Danger Ratings, which are issued daily and are specific for your area," he said.

"Roadside Fire Danger ratings signs are located throughout the Mid Coast, or you can check the fire information each day at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

"As the fire danger ratings increase, you should be following your bushfire safety plan.

"At severe and extreme ratings, the safest option is to leave early - don't wait to see what happens.

"At a catastrophic fire danger rating, your only option is to leave early.

"No homes are built to withstand fires in catastrophic conditions and it is not safe to stay and defend your home."

During a bushfire, the RFS will issue alerts, which give you an indication of the level of threat from a fire.

"The RFS says you should not wait for an alert - some fires start and spread so quickly there may not be any time for a warning," Cr West said.

"Remember, leaving early is the safest option for your survival.

"Downloading the fires near me app to your phone is one of the best ways to make sure you know when a fire starts, you can set to be alerted when a fire starts near you."

Otherwise, stay aware at the RFS website, via the RFS information phone line 1800 679 737 or via the NSW RFS social media sites.

During a fire emergency, you should tune into the emergency radio broadcaster, ABC 95.5FM.

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