This signage helps firefighters to identify existing water supplies such as dams, tanks or swimming pools that could be used for firefighting purposes.

According to Nerissa Downes from the Lower Hunter RFS, it's incredibly important for fire fighters to be able to pinpoint large water sources, especially in rural areas where the fire brigade trucks are a long way from the nearest water source for resupply.

"Our fire bombing helicopters rely heavily on being able to access large tracts of water out in the bush, so these large dams and water sources are extremely helpful in the bush fire season."

SWS signs are available for properties with a water source that holds at least 3,000 litres.

Using static water supplies on properties was a key part of the fire fighting effort during the 2019-20 bush fire season.

Ms Downes said static water sources were particularly vital in the western areas of Wollombi, Laguna and Bulga during that season.

"The fires were such a prolonged event and as much as our brigades moved, it was really the water bombing efforts from these static water supplies that really helped us gain the upper hand, and helped ease the fire fighters on the ground by dumping such large quantities on the fires when they could," she said.

To request a Static Water Sign for your property, contact your local fire control centre or email community.engagement@rfs.gov.au with your name, phone number, address, postcode and local government area.

The contact number for the RFS Lower Hunter Office is 02 4015 0000.

Ms Downes urges all locals to look around their house and clean up their areas before the oncoming bush fire season.

"It's a constant effort between us and home owners, keeping areas clean and tidying heading into the fire season just to make it that little bit safer."

Do you know you can subscribe to get full access to all Maitland Mercury stories? Subscribing supports us in our local news coverage. To subscribe, click here.