Bereaved Family to Receive Free Pool Fence from Fulton Homes
Valley Homebuilder Helps Keep Family Safe After Infant Son's Death.
Fulton Homes has selected Heather and Bryan Jarrell from Glendale as the winners of this week's Fence Patrol Program. The couple has two young children and an unfenced pool in their backyard. They lost an infant son to health complications in 2007 and say they cannot imagine losing another child. While the Jarrells worry tremendously about their children's safety around the pool, they cannot afford to pay for a fence. The free installation will take place at their home Tuesday, July 5 at 7:00 a.m.
Heather and Bryan lost Hayden when he was just 4 months old. "Our family was completely broken," the young mother said. "Losing Hayden nearly killed me and that pain never goes away."
Heather became pregnant in September 2010 and gave birth to her son, Benjamin, two months early. Benjamin also had some health issues associated with that premature birth. Today he is a healthy 14-month-old, but the Jarrells are still very worried. "I live in fear every day that I am going to lose him," Heather Jarrell said. "I literally make myself sick worrying about the pool in our backyard. We simply don't have the money to buy a pool fence. I can't lose another child. My heart can't take it."
According to Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes, the Jarrells' story is what inspires his company's efforts to improve Valley pool safety. "This family should be able to relax, knowing their children are safe in their own home and backyard," Fulton said. "The Jarrells couldn't stop the death of their young son, but this pool fence could help prevent further tragedy in their lives."
The annual Fence Patrol program, established by Tempe-based Fulton Homes, aims to improve child safety around pools and promote pool safety awareness throughout the summer, when drowning risk is highest.
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.