Fulton Homes

Expecting parents Briana and Derek Smellie from Surprise will receive a free pool fence courtesy of Fulton Homes. The installation will take place Tuesday, June 7 at 7 a.m. Derek is a staff sergeant in the Air Force who was recently transferred to Luke Air Force Base from Idaho. The couple bought their first home shortly after learning they were expecting a child. Within a month of moving in, Briana learned her sister's family was having serious financial problems. Briana and Derek decided to open their home to the struggling family of four, which includes two boys, ages two-and-a-half and 6 months.

Briana worried about her nephews' safety around the pool, but after buying and furnishing their new home, a pool fence wasn't in their budget. "We have the space and more than enough love and patience to get them through this rough spot," Briana said. "The only thing we don't have is an abundance of money." Briana nominated her family for the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol Program hoping to find a solution to their pool safety concerns.

"Concerned parents like Derek and Briana know that a pool fence is a necessity when there are children in the home, but sometimes the money just isn't there," said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. "That's why Fulton Homes is dedicated to continuing our Fence Patrol Program, not only to help deserving families in need, but to spread the word about pool safety."

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.