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.