THE Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging Queenslanders to be informed and know their area when calling 000 this bushfire season.

RFS Central Region Manager Brian Smith said it was important for residents to be aware of their surroundings and provide as much information as possible when reporting a bushfire.

"It's important to know the location of the fire, including suburb, street, cross street and the locality of the fire," Mr Smith said.

"In rural areas, we ask callers give the full address and distances between landmarks and roads, not just the name of the property."

Mr Smith said information from the Triple Zero (000) calls are often the only source of information firefighters will have before attending a bushfire.

"We rely on information from the Triple Zero (000) caller to alert the fire service, if possible, to the fire's direction of travel, the level of threat, assets in area and nearby water supplies, as well as any fire suppression that is currently being undertaken," he said.

"The more information we have, the better firefighters can protect life and property during an emergency." 

Mr Smith said making an emergency call was simple but one of the most important parts of an operation.

"After calling Triple Zero (000), you'll get the Telstra switch board that will connect you to a fire communications officer, who will ask you a series of questions to help identify the emergency and where you are.

"It is important to stay on the phone until advised by the operator."

Questions callers are asked include:

1. What is your address/location?
2. What is your phone number?
3. What is the nature of the emergency?
4. What actions have you undertaken to suppress the fire?
5. Are there any assets under threat?
6. Which direction the fire is travelling or the wind blowing?
7. Is there a nearby water supply such as a dam or creek?

"The more of these answers you know, the more you will help firefighters during an emergency," Mr Smith said.

With the recent release of the Northern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook, Mr Smith reinforced the need to have a Bushfire Survival Plan and ensure families are prepared. 

"We encourage everyone to have their Bushfire Survival Plan ready, ensure your family is aware of what to do, that way, you maximise your chance for the protection of life and property.

"Coastal parts of Central Queensland will have a heightened bushfire risk this season, it's important you're prepared and know what to do should you need to contact Triple Zero (000)."

For further information on how to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan, prepare for bushfire season, or learn what to do when a bushfire approaches, please visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.