Windshield Survey Guidelines for the Community The Windshield Survey is a data collection method used in assessing a community.
Windshield Survey Guidelines for the Community
The Windshield Survey is a data collection method used in assessing a community. Complete the Windshield Survey by driving through the neighborhood of the community. This is your observation. You are to observe as you drive around the area.
SAFETY FIRST: Your safety is your most important priority. Students are advised to have a driver who is to attend to driving and not the data collection.
Name of Community:
The following categories of information may assist you in your gathering of data and getting to know your selected community:
PLEASE SUMMARIZE!
Elements
Description
Strengths
Challenges
Boundaries (be specific):
Name & Nickname of area; size of community; what defines the boundary (roads, water, railroad)?
General condition of the area:
Is the area well-kept? Is there trash, abandoned cars or houses?
What kind of signs are in the area?
Housing and zoning:
Age of houses, materials used in construction of buildings; space between homes/open space, is open space safe/attractive?
Signs of decay?
Commons:
Where do people congregate? What hours of the day? Are there many people outside in the neighborhood? Homeless people?
Transportation:
How do people get from one place to another? Is public transportation available, reliable? What kind is available? Personal autos? Bikes? Others?
Social Service Centers:
Evidence of recreation centers, parks. Law enforcement agencies?
Animals: Do you see animals? Are they loose or on leashes/contained? Are there Veterinarians or animal shelters available?
Stores:
Where do residents shop? Where are sources of fresh produce? How do they get to the stores?
Food desert?
Race and Ethnicity:
What language is used on the signs?
What race of people live there? Do multi-racial/ethnic groups live there? Describe the ethnic food stores or restaurants.
Religion:
What indications to you see about the types of religion residents practice?
Health Indicators:
Clinics? Hospitals, mental health agencies? Pharmacies? Dentists? Others?
Politics: What indicators do you see about politics? Posters, signs?
Media:
Do you see indicators of what people read? If they watch television? Listen to radio? Social Media?
Business and Industry:
Do you see manufacturing, industry, large employers? Small business owners? Retail? Military installation? Do people have to see employment elsewhere?
Adapted from Mizrahi TM: School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, September 1992; Stanhope MS, Knollmueller RN: Public and community health nurse’s consultant: a health promotion guide. St. Louis, 1997, Mosby. In Stanhope, M, and Lancaster, J. Foundations of Nursing in the Community, Community-Oriented Practice, 2014, Elsevier.
