Background: Risk communication is key for maintaining social order during public health emergencies.We conducted a survey in Fuzhou City to identify whether and how the public received risk communication messages during public health events and to provide evidence for developing future risk communication strategies.Methods:Telephone survey was conducted among residents aged ≥ 14y in August, 2011, using a simple random sample of mobile phone numbers.Questions were asked regarding how they received information about 2009 influenza pandemic, and perceived convenient channels during future events.We weighted the sample using 2010 census.Results: Of 2000 mobile phone numbers dialed, 28% (569) were answered, and 56% of those who answered (321) responded.67% (235) received information during 2009 pandemic.50% of those who did not get the information were rural residents and 37% had no schooling.The most common information channels included television (50%), internet (29%) and newspaper (14%).Only 10% (23) of respondents received information from Chinese CDC system.During a hypothetical future event, 69% of respondents would like to receive information from television, 49% from internet, and 36% from newspaper.Regarding the most trusted channel, 50% named television, 29% internet, and 14% newspaper.The priority information needed was how to protect themselves and their family, followed by what control measures are being taken by government.Conclusions:Television was the most common channel through which information was received and anticipated.Surprisingly few residents received information from CDC.We recommend that public health information should be distributed through television and other channels most used by residents, and measures should be taken to improve the use the Chinese CDC system as a reliable source of information.