A CFA survey has revealed 40 per cent of Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas did not have a bushfire plan in place.
One in five people in these areas do not believe "leaving early" in a fire emergency is the best way to safeguard their loved ones, and 16 per cent would stay to protect their property.
CFA's annual post-season bushfire community survey has been conducted every year since 2009 to understand the attitudes, behaviours and preparedness of householders living in bushfire risk locations in Victoria.
Despite the seasonal bushfire outlook indicating increased fire risk, of the 611 people interviewed, 24 per cent did not feel adequately prepared around their home.
Over the past two years, the survey showed the perception of a bushfire being a threat to Victorians and their property had declined from very large to small, with 50 per cent of people not showing concern and almost 40 per cent not alarmed enough to warrant direct interaction with CFA.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan expressed concern at the distressing statistics, warning Victorians that now was not the time to be complacent with an earlier and more active fire season predicted.
"It is never too early to prepare. Don't gamble with your safety this season. Residents living in high fire-risk areas must take their preparation more seriously," Mr Heffernan said.
"Take a moment to sit down with your household and make a plan so everyone knows what they need to do and where they need to go if a fire threatens your local area.
"It's easy to panic and make poor decisions if you're not prepared, and the last thing you want in an emergency is to become trapped. Leaving early is your greatest form of protection."
A further 31 per cent of respondents indicated they would delay leaving until threatened by a bushfire, waiting for the danger to increase or for instructions from emergency services.
"Don't wait for an official warning before you take action to protect your family. "We have a number of resources available on our website to actively help you prepare before it is too late, and our volunteers are always happy to help you with any questions you may have," Mr Heffernan said.
CFA will be running a Get Fire Ready weekend on October 4 and 5, where many brigades will open their doors to connect with local community members, hoping to build public awareness and preparedness across Victoria.
"We're seeing a concerning decline in property preparedness around Victorian households, so we're really encouraging you to tidy up around your homes over coming weeks," Jason said.
"Before the warmer weather arrives, ensure you move your winter piles away from your houses and sheds, give your trees a prune, clear your gutters and maintain the length of your grass.
"Get your emergency kit packed and ready to go, fill it with clothes, medications, toiletries, chargers and blankets and take it with you when you head to shelter.
"We want to be really clear this summer. Our members will always be prepared and on hand to assist you, but fire safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play.
"We cannot have a fire truck at every property during a major bushfire. We need you to do your bit too and take small steps to be more fire safe this year."