Carmen Sense Fire Safety

PC version requires:
Windows 3.1 or better, P75, 16MB RAM, 2X CD-ROM, 640 x 480, 256 colors

Mac version requires:
System 7.1 or later, 68040, 5MB RAM

Description:

Carmen Sense Fire Safety is an educational program designed to teach children ages four and older about the "nitty gritty" details of fire safety. It covers the different colors of smoke and fire, the fact that fire is a tool, what to do if the smoke alarm goes off and much more.

Firefighter Mike, at the request of Carmen (hence the name "Carmen Sense"), has come to the clubhouse to tell Carmen's friends all about the dangers of fire and what they should do if there is ever one in their homes. Simple games reinforce the facts taught and may be played independently from the menu or as the tutorial progresses. There is even a chance for the child to play "paper dolls" and dress the firefighter on the screen. (They are rewarded with a suspiciously Darth Vaderish hiss -- which is good, because some children can be frightened by the strange sounds made the firefighter's air mask. ) Children are walked through an imaginary fire and are allowed to make decisions about what Carmen should do to escape safely.

Features:

• Replay Button (The player can replay parts if they feel unsure of their comprehension.)
• Menu of Games button (At any time the player can play the games from any point in the tutorial.)
• Next Button (This allows the player to skip to any part of the tutorial.)
• Review at the end of important facts

Technical:

Report and Conclusions:

This is not a scary program, but it does raise their awareness of the danger that could be involved in a household fire. It suggests also that families brainstorm to discuss possible family meeting places in case of fire and decide on their escape plans. I see this as being a very useful tool for families and I think it would be especially useful to teachers who are responsible for teaching fire safety. Library patrons would also benefit from the libraries having a copy on hand to lend. Downloadable demos are available at www.extrasense.com . We learned a lot, even if it was just "Carmen Sense."