Paralympic medallist Millie Knight helped by Kent Fire and Rescue Service Photo: KFRS
Kent firefighters visited Paralympic medallist Millie Knight, who lost the majority of her sight at an early age, to offer advice and top tips to help her stay safe at home in Ashford.
As with all KFRS Home Fire Safety Visits, the crew spoke with her about any fire-related concerns she had and walked through the house to identify any potential fire risks.
Crew Manager Oliver Jones said: “We discussed with Millie the risk of slips and trips due to her limited sight, as well as escape routes and what to do if a fire started in her home.
“We understand everyone has individual and different needs, and we’re here to provide tailored advice and equipment to help keep you as safe as possible.”
“For example, we have specialist smoke alarms that flash and light up, designed for people with hearing difficulties.”
Fire officers fitted smoke alarms on each floor of the athlete’s property and used large, brightly coloured stickers to help her locate the test button on her new detectors.
Millie said: “The visit was really valuable for me. It was really lovely and reassuring to discover that having a visual impairment wasn’t going to be a challenge for the crew, and they set the equipment up for me and provide advice tailored to me.
“Having that level of care and understanding in place allows people with any kind of impairment to access vital, lifesaving services like this – and it feels amazing to be included.”
Home Fire Safety Visits are free and available to anyone in Kent and Medway over 70, people with long-term health conditions, families with children under five, and smokers.
Call Kent Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 923 7000 to book a visit, find out more about the home visit service, or for free home fire safety advice.