When you are deaf or are hard of hearing chances are that you may not be aware, especially in public places, that there is a fire or other emergency because you cannot hear audible alarms. While you may be trained in being on alert for visual clues i.e. flashing lights, individuals rushing and are not afraid to ask, the light sources may not be visible from where you are and people in an emergency are focused on evacuating, sometimes in a panic, and responding.

 

In response, Fireco, a U.K. firm that specializes in simple, effective services and solutions for fire safety management has come out with the Deaf Messaging Service (DMS). This is a new fire safety product that alerts deaf or hard of hearing people, via their cellphones, of fire alarms in public places such as supermarkets, hotels, shopping centers and libraries. And to make this service happen Fireco has chose M2M connectivity provider, Wireless Logic, to provide secure, fixed-IP connectivity for its service.

 

DMS helps service providers and employers comply with elements of Britain's Disability Discrimination Act (equivalent to the U.S. ADA), allowing deaf and hard of hearing people the freedom to move around buildings without worry of missing an emergency situation. The solution is free to the user - the only charge they pay is the cost of a text message.  DMS is provided as a secondary warning device that will prevent confusion usually suffered when audible messages are missed.

 

The numbers of people who could benefit from DMS and Wireless Logic is significant. Fireco says one in seven Britons are deaf or hard of hearing. That number is projected to grow as Britain's population increases, and ages, reaching 71.6 million by 2033 from 61.4 million in 2008, of which 23 percent will be 65-plus compared with 16 percent in 2008 reports the Office for National Statistics.

 

DMS works by allowing retailers / participants to integrate a simple DMS controller, comprising a Wireless Logic SIM card into their existing alarms' control panels. Subscribers are linked to the DMS by the solution sending one text with the relevant location code when they enter the premises. They are then connected under that location and will be sent a text should the fire alarm sound.  

 

Wireless Logic is a key strategic partner with all four U.K. networks and partners with over 1.000 systems integrators, applications/systems providers and end users, delivering specialist connectivity including fixed IP, its own private network, and tariffs tailored to individual partner requirements. Core markets include job dispatch, vehicle tracking, metering, security, payment solutions, remote working, and digital signage. Wireless Logic is part of Phones International Group, which provides mobile logistics, distribution and fulfillment, configuration, content, and other related services within the mobile and wireless industries.

 

 "Wireless Logic was recommended to us by Telefonica (News - Alert) due to the company's M2M experience and credentials here in the U.K.," says Alan Busby, Project Leader, Fireco DMS. "We have found this simple use of Wireless Logic data SIMS has provided a cost-effective and guaranteed way for participating organizations to offer this invaluable service to their hard-of-hearing customers. For subscribers, there's no more need to rely on cumbersome paging devices or the kindness of strangers to ensure safety at all times."

 

 "M2M technology is providing meaningful and effective solutions to difficult issues," says Phil Cole, co-founder, Wireless Logic, comments. "This is an important project for Wireless Logic to be involved in as it has the potential to save many lives."