During what phase do public health nurses implement a windshield survey?

A windshield survey is a systematic examination of a community that allows public health professionals, including nurses, to gather data about the community's characteristics, needs, and resources from an observational standpoint. This method is typically used to assess things such as housing, demographics, environmental conditions, and available health services.

The correct answer relates to the prevention phase because this is when public health initiatives are aimed at identifying risks and implementing strategies to enhance community health before a disaster or health crisis occurs. Conducting a windshield survey during this phase helps identify potential vulnerabilities and allows public health nurses to plan interventions effectively to mitigate risks.

In contrast, the other phases focus on different aspects of disaster management. The preparedness phase involves planning and training for potential disasters, the response phase relates to actions taken immediately after a disaster occurs, and the recovery phase deals with restoring the community to its pre-disaster state. While windshield surveys can inform responses and recovery efforts, their primary application in a disaster context is during the prevention phase, as it lays the foundation for understanding and addressing community health needs before an emergency.