The importance of fire safety and the risks of drink-driving will be highlighted in Kingston when the Wakatipu's emergency services gather for a community information afternoon on Sunday.
Kingston and Frankton community constable Zoe Albon, based at Queenstown Airport, is organising the interactive awareness drive, with contributions from fire investigator and safety officer Stuart Ide, of Queenstown; the Kingston Volunteer Fire Brigade; ambulance officers from St John Wakatipu and volunteers in Kingston.
Const Albon said the initiative was prompted by some community concerns about the number of smoke alarms installed in the homes of elderly residents, or if alarms were fitted at all.
She decided to host a wider forum, for firefighters to promote and educate the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety awareness to the rural township.
The benefits of smoke alarms in holiday homes and properties which could be vacant over Christmas and New Year would be addressed.
Information would be shared about where to buy alarms at the best price, how many to install and where the most effective locations were within a property.
Mr Ide would answer questions and a video presentation would be made.
"Ambulance officers will be present to explain the beneficial services they can offer the community," Const Albon said.
"Police will be present to share information with the community and answer any questions."
The "booze bus", operated by the Alexandra Rural Drink Driving Squad, will be open for residents to take a look.
Residents can learn how the squad works, hear refreshers on alcohol limits and answer questions in an attempt to reduce harmful alcohol consumption.
"The plan is to target the inherent dangers of drink-driving," she said.
"We're coming up to that season where it's all going festive, so it's a timely reminder."
• The free emergency services event will be held at the Kingston Community Hall on Sunday, December 13, from 2pm until 5pm.
