The alert system has been installed in Portsmouth City Council's civic offices

A city council has installed a fire safety product that informs deaf and hard of hearing people when the alarm sounds in its civic offices.

Portsmouth City Council has chosen DMS (Deaf Message Service) to help protect deaf people.

DMS allows deaf and hard of hearing people to move around public places without the worry of missing an emergency situation. The installation also helps service providers and employers comply with the Equality Act.

The product uses text messaging (SMS) to alert people. The user’s mobile is connected to DMS and when the alarm sounds a text message is sent to the mobile phone to let them know the alarm has sounded.

Portsmouth City Council said: “Deaf people are active members of society so it's only right that organisations like ours should provide for all their special needs, especially by ensuring that they are safe and secure whilst on our premises.”