The city of Federal Way is offering residents a place to find relief in advance of a forecasted heat wave.

The Federal Way Community Center, 876 S. 333rd St., will be available as a respite from high temperatures and will remain available as necessary until the forecasted high temperature situation has eased, according to a city press release.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning in effect from 2 p.m. Tuesday to 9 p.m. Friday. During the forecasted period of extreme hot weather, the Community Center will be open to residents of all ages who need some air-conditioned relief. Weekday hours of operation are 5:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Weekend hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Residents are reminded special services will not be available, such as free use of the swimming pools, workout equipment, showers, etc. People may purchase a day-use pass if interested in using building amenities. Day-use pass costs are free for tots 0-2, $5 for children 3-11, $6 for teens 12-17, $8 for adults 18-16, and $6 for seniors 62 and older. Common areas, including the lobby, game room, Forest Lounge and restrooms will be available at no charge. The Splash Café in the main lobby will be open for drink and snack purchases. No pets are allowed, except for service animals.

For facility questions, go to www.ItAllHappensHere.org, or contact the Federal Way Community Center at 253-835-6900.

Heat waves are of great concern for those who are vulnerable to extreme temperature variations, such as the elderly, the very young or those with other medical conditions that could lead to heat stroke or other problems.

Because many homes in the region do not have air conditioning, there is a significantly greater risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for:

• Older adults

• Infants and young children

• People with mental illness and chronic diseases

• People with disabilities

• People who are overweight

• Those who work or exercise outdoors

• People who are homeless

• People who take certain medications, especially those taken for mental disorders, movement disorders, allergies, depression and heart or circulatory problems

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical care immediately if you know someone who experiences symptoms.

Signs of heat exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating

• Weakness

• Cold, pale and clammy skin

• Weak pulse

• Fainting

• Vomiting

Signs of heat stroke:

• High body temperature (103 degrees or higher)

• Hot, dry skin

• Rapid and strong pulse

• Possible unconsciousness

• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors twice a day.

• Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioned buildings, such as libraries, shopping malls and community centers, and avoid direct contact with the sun.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more.

• Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.

• Choose safe swimming options. Lakes, rivers and Puget Sound can all be dangerously cold, even in the summer. Wear a lifejacket and swim at lifeguarded beaches and pools.

• Plan ahead when taking public transportation. Not all buses have air conditioning and events or construction might affect your bus schedule.

For more information, visit the King County regional emergency news blog: www.kcemergency.com, which contains safety tips and a link to resources.

Link to the National Weather Service: forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=excessive%20heat%20warning.