SCHOOLS and kindergartens in Briagolong, Dargo, Loch Sport, Meerlieu and Woodside are among 728 across the state which would close on a day that is declared a "code red'' or "catastrophic'' fire danger rating this fire season.

State Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said a register of schools to be subject to closures on a code red day had been developed by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Catholic Education Office and the Association of Independent Schools Victoria.

The schools and children's services include many located in the 52 areas identified by fire authorities as being at high risk this fire season as well as some schools outside those areas that may also be deemed at high risk due to geographic and environmental factors.

Further work is being done with some schools that may be added to the list with information for schools, and parents available on the schools bushfire information line on 1800 059 866.

The register will allow for the pre-emptive closure of schools on a code red day following the fire danger rating declaration by the Bureau of Meteorology.

"The task for us all is to work together to make our state as fire-safe and as fire-ready as possible so that lives can be protected,'' Ms Pike said.

"We have taken the decision that on a day which is declared a code red fire danger rating, the safest option for schools identified as being at high risk this fire season is to close and we want clear systems in place for the fire season so that every school community that may be affected is fully informed.''

Ms Pike said ahead of a code red day, the DEECD would issue immediate warnings to staff, parents and children through its website and through schools and children's services.