How do most people get around the area?
Windshield Survey Tool
Nurses must be able to knowledgeably plan services for individuals, families and the community. In order to effectively plan, it is essential that you are aware of the resources specific to the community a client resides in to allow for identification of health-related resources and to understand gaps in services. A windshield survey is conducted from a car and provides a visual overview of a community. Conditions and trends in the community that could affect the health of the population should be noted. This data provides background and context for working with individuals and families in their community. Information gathered from this survey should be added to this template. If data is collected (statistical, informational, geographic), then a reference page using APA format (6th edition) is expected. Answer each question and add pictures of each section below of your community. My community is Columbia, Maryland.
Boundaries
Are the boundaries geographical, political, or economic?
Do neighborhoods have names?
Are there sub-communities?
How are these identified?
Notes (to make notes about the questions on the left)
Housing and Zoning
What is the age of the buildings? Are the residences single family or multifamily dwellings?
Signs of Decay
Is the area well maintained or in disrepair? Is there garbage strewn? Are there trashed/abandoned cars, places for rodents or other wildlife to hide, vacant lots?
Parks and Recreational Areas
Are there playing areas for children and adults? Are they safe and maintained? Is there a Community Center? Who uses them?
Common Areas
Where do people collect for social gatherings; where do they “hang out”? Are they for particular groups or are they open to all? Are there signs posted?
Stores
What stores (grocery, retail, drug, dry cleaning, etc.) are in the area? How do residents travel to them?
Transportation
How do most people get around the area? Is there public transportation? If so what kind and does it appear to be used? Who uses it? What is the condition of the streets, roads, highways?
Communication
Is there evidence of local and national newspapers to other media? Are there informational posters on streets, busses, billboards, etc.?
Service Centers
What services are available in the community – health care, social services, schools, employment offices etc.?
People in the Community
Who is in the area during the day? What evidence is thereof particular “classes” of people – upper, middle, working, lower?
Industries
What are the major industries located in the area? What types of occupations are evident?
Protective Services
Where are fire and police stations located? Is there evidence of police and fire protection in the area?
Ethnicity
What is the predominant ethnic group? Are there residents from a variety of ethnic backgrounds or is the community mostly one group? Which one? Are there stores, restaurants, churches, schools, or languages that indicate a particular ethnic group(s)?
Religion
What churches and church-run schools are in the area (denomination)? How many are there of each denomination?
Health and Morbity
Is there evidence of any health problems such as drug/alcohol abuse, communicable or chronic diseases, and mental illness (etc.)?
Politics
Is there evidence of political activity? Are there any signs that indicate a predominant political party (parties) or concern(s)?
a. What effect has COVID-19 had on your community (Columbia, MD)?
b. What effect has it had on shopping?
c. 5 Pictures of the community.
d. 1 Image of the zip code of the area (21045)
Image preview for how do most people get around the area?
APA
1862 words