Lower Hunter RFS manager Superintendent Jason McKellar said it won’t be long now before the climate will  warm and bushfires will be with us again.

“With cooler temperatures and a bit of rain, people can get complacent when it comes to protecting property,” Supt McKellar said.

“But t won’t be long now before we are back to a dryness that will leave our area like a tinderbox.

“So we are urging people: don’t be deceived into holding off plans to protect your properties and ensure you have a bushfire survival plan.

“The long range forecasts still predict temperatures above average.”

Supt McKellar urged people to follow rules on the RFS website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Bureau of Meteorology weather ­forecaster Deryn Griffiths said the present cold fronts were fairly typical for the NSW coast at this time of year.

Be aware of trees and foliage around your home. The Rural Fire Service minimum recommended zone is 20 metres from a building.

Trim trees regularly.

Keep lawns short and gardens maintained.

Remove leaves from gutters, roofs and downpipes to reduce build up.

Dispose of garden waste. Chip dead branches and leaves to provide mulch for garden beds.

Wood piles and wood chips must be stored away from the house.

Plant trees and shrubs with low oil content because they are less likely to ignite.

Ensure garden hoses are long enough to reach around the perimeter of the house.

Keep the phone number of the Rural Fire Service or fire brigade near the phone and remember to call 000 in an emergency.