Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/75653
WORLD FENCE NEWS • AUGUST 2012 • 29 On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Missis- sippi House Bill 1281 – "The William Lee Montjoy Pool Safety Act" – was signed by Governor Phil Bryant. House Bill 1281 requires private clubs, apartments, townhomes, multi- unit rental complexes and swimming facilities under the control of home- owners associations to have specific types of fencing around their pools, as well as gates that completely enclose the pools and that are self-latching and self-closing. (The legislation is modeled after Texas law, and Florida and other states have similar regulations. Drowning is the second-leading cause of deaths for children in the U.S., on average 1,000 a year.) This legislation should help tremendously in the fight against tod- dler drowning and accidental submer- sions, and fence contractors should equip themselves to provide the fenc- ing and gates required. As an example, they should check out D&D's Mag- nalatch and TruClose hinges, which are an excellent combination to com- ply with the new bill's requirements. "Isolation pool fencing is the only barrier with proven effectiveness, and I think it's vital that more members of the fencing industry get involved in promoting this important layer of pro- tection," said Jim Paterson, D&D Technologies, Senior VP Sales & Mar- keting. "It makes good business sense. Saving lives and increasing sales can be results of the same efforts." Studies both in Australia and the U.S. have shown that isolation fencing of swimming pools is highly effective in reducing child drownings, with the most important element being a se- cure, self-closing and self-latching gate. When you construct a new fence or do a repair on a fence at a property L.R. McCoy plans to close continued from page 12 The company also sold red oak, white oak, cherry, maple, walnut, hick- ory and beech wood flooring; it also carried the Artisan Antique Floors brand. The company was an occa- sional advertiser in World Fence News. The firm was founded in 1922 by Lawrence R. McCoy. Estate Gates Ornamental Railing ZipTrack™ Cantilever Gate Buy American, Be American™ u u u Chesterfield Township, MI Port Richey, FL Murfreesboro, TN AAMA 2604 COMPLIANT We are environmentally responsible Mississippi bill puts fencing industry in the forefront BY STACEY POLLOCK, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, D&D TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC. where a pool is present, knowing this information can mean not only a sale, but that you've done something im- portant that can potentially save lives. Many pool builders lack product and pricing knowledge regarding fenc- ing, have concerns about aesthetics and have a hesitation to give up a share of overall budget. They also fear public misconcep- tions about barriers. It's up to the fencing industry to take the lead in educating the pool in- dustry as well as consumers on the value of isolation fencing. Paterson recommends that the fencing industry form additional part- nerships to promote pool fencing with the pool service industry, realtors, home inspectors, home builders/de- sign center staff, property management companies, landscapers and home im- provement stores. He suggests the fencing industry work with the pool builder or the landscape architect up front, providing plans for fences that fit in with the design of the pool. William Lee Montjoy, 3, of Dia- mondhead drowned Sept. 25, 2010, at the Pass Christian Yacht Club pool. Authorities said he wandered away from a group of children that afternoon and fell into the pool. The Montjoy family is currently working on passing The William Lee Montjoy Pool Safety Act in the State of Alabama, and say they won't stop until House Bill 1281 is passed na- tionwide. Further information on D&D Technologies' full line of gate hard- ware can be obtained by calling 800- 716-0888, e-mailing info@ddtechusa.com, or by visiting www.ddtechglobal.com. Avalanche Series™ Concealed Fastener Fence Yorktown Series™ 5/8" x 3/4" Picket Ornamental Fencing Glass Panel Railing