Environment Canada Factual Air Quality and Extreme Temperature Post Event Surveys

The Health and Air Quality Forecasting Program of Environment Canada provides air quality forecasts to Canadians, and also focuses on the weather elements that effect public health, that is extreme temperatures and ultra violet radiation as represented by the UV Index. Our goal is to provide Canadians with the risk communication information they need to act to protect their health, the health of those close to them, and the environment. Our health based weather forecasts and warnings are especially important to those most at risk from the negative effects of air pollution and extreme temperature. As part of our ongoing program performance management, we run post event surveys during air quality and/or extreme temperature events. We use the post event surveys to help us determine: • If public received the forecast/advisory • If the public understood the forecast/advisory • If the public did anything differently because of the forecast/advisory

Often, air quality events coincide with extreme temperature events. It is therefore important that we measure the entire event and not just one element of it.