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Maruta Buklevica, a representative of Rigas Veselibas centrs ("Riga Health Center"), told "Neatkariga" that the alarm indeed goes off in the building periodically, however, the reason originates in the building's welfare apartments. "The alarm went off several times due to an irresponsible tenant smoking. The building's security staff took notice of it, reproved him, and turned the alarm off."

Buklevica admitted that in such situations it is important to inform visitors [i.e. health center patients] about the situation. "From now on, the center's administration and employees will make announcements also when the alarm is heard briefly," the health center's spokeswoman promises.

Inga Skestere, CEO of "Latvijas Kustiba par neatkarigu dzivi" ("Latvian Movement for Independent Living") – a care center for people with mental disabilities – says that the root of the false alarm comes from the welfare apartments. "Something is boiling in the kitchen, and smoke gets into the smoke detector," she says.

"Our clients are ready to evacuate in such situations. We do not tolerate it when information about the alarm is ignored," Skestere said, adding that in case of an alarm, the building's security guards are immediately asked to explain what is happening.