A St. James apartment block whose residents were evacuated last month will test an alarm Tuesday that is designed to warn people of changes in the building’s stability or if there’s a risk of collapse.
A loud siren will go off at Birchwood Terrace (2440 Portage Ave.) at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. It is only a test, the City of Winnipeg said in a news release Monday, and no actions need to be taken.
If the alarm sounds outside of those times, residents in nearby homes or buildings should shelter in place, the city said.
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES
Birchwood Terrace residents pack up their belongings on May 10 after being ordered to evacuate the building.
Those nearby the building should exit the area immediately if the siren goes off outside the test times. Drivers should also leave the area as quickly as possible, the city said.
Nearby residents on evacuation alert have been told to leave immediately if the alarm goes off. Residents will be notified when it is safe to return home.
“All clear” will be announced on a loudspeaker when the area has been deemed safe.
The alarm is expected to remain in place for three to four weeks.
Birchwood Terrace’s property manager, Lakewood Agencies, said last week that a best-case schedule for stabilization and repairs would see residents return to the complex on Aug. 31 at the earliest.
About 250 tenants were forced to evacuate the building May 9 after structural deterioration was found in steel columns in an underground parkade.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca