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AAP
AAP
National
Rachael Ward

Fire, flood, storm plans needed in Vic

Australia is set for a wet spring but those in outer suburbs are warned to prepare for grassfires. (Joe Castro/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Victorian households are urged to create fire, flood and storm plans with the state at risk of multiple emergency events this summer.

The warning comes as emergency services prepare for the first of four briefings on the upcoming fire season across metropolitan areas on Thursday.

Attendees will discuss bushfire and flood outlooks as well as specific local risks over the coming months.

Australia is set for a wet spring and early summer with a third consecutive La Nina declared, but grassfires still pose a danger to people in outer suburbs.

Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said people living in outer metropolitan areas should prepare their properties straight away.

"Even though we are expecting an average or lower than average fire season in some areas, the greatest risk for the metropolitan region is grassland along the urban fringe," Mr Heffernan said in a statement.

"Grassfires travel faster than you can run, they can cause extensive damage and potentially be fatal. This is the time for the community to be preparing their properties."

Victoria SES chief officer of operations Tim Wiebusch reiterated that floods remain a significant concern and people should never drive on flooded roads as a small car can float in just 15 centimetres of water.

"VICSES volunteers are highly trained and will be ready and prepared to respond to requests for assistance to flood and storm events as required, however we are asking communities to prepare too," Mr Wiebusch said.

The state's fire danger rating system recently changed from six danger levels to just four, in line with the rest of the country. The levels are moderate, high, extreme and catastrophic.

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