Morrissette Pushes For Safer Home Security

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Replacing old security bars on home windows and doors with safer ones can be costly, which is why some people decide not to replace them.

Representative Richard Morrissette (D-District 92) is attempting to protect more families by creating a law mandating new homes with burglar bars would have a quick release for easy escape.

Lillie Mae Timmons was killed Monday after her home went up in flames, trapping her inside.

Representative Morrissette said Lillie Mae Timmons should not have fallen victim Monday morning, believing change needs to happen.

"We need to begin to eliminate the old stationary bars," Morrissette said.

He wants a tax credit for people to replace the old ones with the safer quick release version, and wants landlords to change theirs as well.

"It must be a pressure release on a rental home that's an excellent idea and I think we certainly can get that passed," Morrissette said.

Neighbors said eliminating the obstacles that Timmons had to face is necessary and the tax credit would certainly help.

Because of liability and customers not wanting to pay extra for the quick release option, many companies stopped selling burglar bars several years ago.