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Windshield Survey: A Community Assessment Strategy

select a community or zip code area near where they live or attend school. Each group of students, will walk through the chosen community making assessments associated with a traditional windshield survey. The details/instructions for that activity appear below:

You should walk through your community (or zip code area) to make systematic observations that will help you understand more about the characteristics and health status of the community.

You are encouraged to complete this activity in pairs or small groups to glean more data about the community.

During the tour, you should look for and consider the following:
• Who are the people in this community? In other words, who do you see? Consider age, ethnicity, and family types.
• How do people travel and get around in this community? Do they use a car, train/bus (public transportation), bike, or walk? Are there safe biking/walking paths?
• What sorts of businesses and places of employment are in this community? What sorts of jobs are available?
• Where do people get their groceries? What types of restaurants are available? Where do people shop? Chain stores? Locally owned stores?
• What types of organizations provide services for children and families (e.g., schools, churches/places of worship, youth centers, day cares, HeadStart programs, libraries, places of higher education)?
• What types of housing is available in this community? Describe the housing conditions.
• What healthcare services and resources are available in this community? Full service clinics? Retail clinics? Specialty clinics? Hospitals? Dental services? CAM (complementary alternative medicine)/CAT (complementary alternative therapy)?
• Look for the recreation and exercise opportunities in this community? Are there parks/green space/playgrounds? To what extent are these areas maintained?
• As you traverse through this community, consider the community’s assets and factors that impact the overall health of this community and its members. What characteristic(s) are the most influential to the PHN who works within this community?

Full Answer Section

During the Walk:

People and Families:

Observe the demographics – age groups, ethnicities, family structures (e.g., young couples, single-parent households).
Are there any indications of vulnerable populations (e.g., elderly people living alone, homeless individuals)?

Transportation:

How do people get around? Cars, bicycles, public transportation, walking?
Are there designated bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks for safe pedestrian and cyclist movement?

Businesses and Employment:

What types of businesses are present (e.g., retail stores, restaurants, offices)?
Does the community seem to have a mix of businesses or is it dominated by one type (e.g., chain stores)?
What kind of jobs might be available based on the observed businesses?

Shopping and Food Access:

Where do people shop for groceries? Large chain stores, smaller independent markets, farmers markets?
What types of restaurants are available? Fast food chains, sit-down restaurants, healthy options?

Services for Children and Families:

Look for schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds, libraries, and places of worship.
Are there community centers or youth centers offering programs and services?

Housing:

Observe the types of housing (single-family homes, apartments, high-rises).
What is the general condition of the housing – well-maintained, signs of disrepair, overcrowding?

Healthcare:

Are there hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, or pharmacies visible?
Consider the availability of specialized care (e.g., dentistry, mental health services).
Are there any alternative or complementary healthcare practices represented (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic care)?

Recreation and Exercise:

Look for parks, green spaces, walking/biking trails, and playgrounds.
Are these spaces clean, well-maintained, and accessible to all community members?

Overall Health:

Consider the overall impression of the community. Is it clean and well-maintained?
Are there signs of environmental hazards like pollution or abandoned buildings?

Discussion:

After the walk, discuss your observations with your group. What are the community's assets?
What factors might impact the overall health of the community and its residents?
From a Public Health Nurse (PHN) perspective, what aspects of the community would be most important to assess further?

Remember:

This is a starting point. You may observe other details relevant to your community's health.
Be mindful and respectful as you conduct your survey.

By taking a closer look at your surroundings, you'll gain valuable insights into the health and well-being of your community.

Sample Answer

Windshield Survey Activity: Exploring Your Community

This activity involves conducting a "windshield survey" of your community (or chosen zip code area) to gain insights into its characteristics and health status.

Preparation:

Team Up: Find a partner or small group to observe and discuss your findings.
Choose Your Route: Select a route that encompasses various areas of your community for a well-rounded perspective.