The emergency services open day, in Pioneer Park from noon to 3pm, was the idea of Alexandra-Clyde Neighbourhood Support.
''We thought we'd try to get all the emergency services together, to let people know what's available and see all the expertise each service has got,'' neighbourhood support trustee Ruth McNamara said.
The idea was welcomed and about 20 emergency services and community groups will take part in the event.
They include the police, search and rescue volunteers, St John, the Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade, Red Cross, the Otago Rural Fire Authority, Clyde Coastguard, Victim Support and civil defence.
''We came up with the idea because of the ShakeOut earthquake drill. We thought lots of children would be taking part in that and know all about it but their parents needed to have more information, too,'' Mrs McNamara said.
The Civil Defence display will include an earthquake simulator and Lake Dunstan harbourmaster Shayne Hitchcock will be on hand, offering free testing of life jackets in preparation for the boating season.
''There will be a visit by the rescue helicopter and a display by police dogs, but both those activities depend on whether they get a call-out,'' she said.
Instead of taking part in the nationwide police open day by opening up the police station, Alexandra police would be part of the combined emergency services display in the park.
''As well as ensuring that people are better-informed about all the different groups, the volunteer groups might even score some new recruits,'' Mrs McNamara said.
''There's been a lot of support for the day and any group or agency you might need in a crisis will be represented at the park.''
