Fulton Homes

This 2011 summer pool season, Fulton Homes is working hard to keep families safe around water. The Eighth Annual Fulton Homes Fence Patrol continues this week with the Graham Family of Phoenix, AZ., as the latest pool fence recipient. From now until July 12, Fulton Homes will be teaming up with KMLE Country 108 FM radio and Ironman Pool Fence to award deserving families with pool fences. The fences are specifically designed to meet city codes for optimum safety. Valley residents are encouraged to nominate themselves or a deserving family for a free pool fence. A properly installed pool barrier prevents a child from getting over, under or through it to gain access to the pool or spa.

The Graham's pool fence is scheduled to be installed on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 a.m.

The Graham family was nominated by Samantha Graham. Samantha, and her husband of four years, Kevin, have been longing to adopt children through the state foster care system. The act of becoming a foster parent was a natural choice for her and her husband because they truly care for the welfare of others. In order to adopt, their home must meet the state requirements for safety, one of those being a pool fence.

"We have wanted to adopt for a very long time and our efforts are finally coming into fruition," explains Samantha Graham. "We are in the process of installing all of the state requirements for safety, and funds are becoming tight. We are so thankful that Fulton Homes is providing us with a pool fence, in order to give our future children a safe home."

The Graham's would like to give many children a safe home to live in. They are currently installing a bathtub, purchasing extra beds and supplies for the children. Initially, they we looking into buying a mesh fence, but the costs can be very high. Installing a pool fence is the last missing piece of the puzzle the Graham's need to open their home to children in need of a home.

"It is very unique and honorable for the Graham family to go through the challenges of becoming foster parents, and we are proud to recognize them for the sacrifices they are making to create better lives for others," said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. "It shows their dedication to helping children in need of a warm home. We are pleased to award the Graham family a free pool fence to help ensure the future safety of their children."

Drowning related deaths is one of the leading causes in children across the country. According to childrensafetyzone.com, in the first four months of 2011, there have already been 17 water related deaths in Maricopa County including five children. There have also been a total of 34 water related incidents. In 2010, 48 deaths, including 20 children, resulted from 140 water-related incidents.

Fulton Homes has always been a proud proponent of Water Safety in the Phoenix area. The Fulton Homes Fence Patrol has helped hundreds of people equip their homes with barriers to help prevent youngsters from falling into the pool. The long-running Two Seconds is Too Long campaign has helped raise awareness of the tragedy of child drowning. The company also supports the Valley of the Sun YMCA, providing swimming lessons to disadvantaged youths who learn valuable life skills, including personal safety and growth, stroke development, rescue and water sports.

Arizona Pool Fence Laws state that all residential pools must be enclosed by a barrier. Families with children under six must also have a barrier blocking access to the pool from the house. Some cities allow door alarms in place of the pool barrier. Also, certain homes are exempt depending on when they were built. However, most homes must be brought up to code if remodeled or sold.

Interested parties in the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol have until July 4, 2011 to nominate themselves or someone else for a pool fence, by logging on to www.kmle108.com and clicking on the Fence Patrol icon. For more information call (602) 452-1000 or go to www.fultonhomes.com and click on the "Fulton Foundation" link.