Getting Familiar with the Site

This section describes the steps for gathering pertinent site information during the PHA process. It describes the types of information you will need to collect and available resources for gathering this information.

Yellow and black oil drum spilling liquid into a desert landscape

River with green, tall grass filled with trash and debris

Women holding the hands of two girls starting at factory with smokestacks

Two firefighters spraying a fire with firefighting foam

Gain a Basic Understanding of the Site

Identify the Community

Use Appropriate Information Sources

The Site Visit

Identify Information Gaps

Compile and Organize Information

ATSDR PHAT, Module 3

Circular diagram showing the 8 modules in the Public Health Assessment Training

Refer to Module 3, Site Information and Data Gathering, in ATSDR’s Public Health Assessment Training (PHAT) course. Learn about the PHA process and ATSDR’s responsibilities in this training module. The link below will take you to the module’s registration page in CDC TRAIN.

Toolbox

Find detailed summaries of the types of data you need to gather during the PHA process.

Use a Site Information Checklist [PDF – 853 KB] to help you during the PHA process.

Find an example site summary table to help you record important information from your site visit.

Resources

Reference book open on a table in front of a chalkboard

Find resources to help you gather information throughout the PHA process.