The city of Federal Way is offering citizens 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 the predicted high temperatures and will remain available as necessary until the situation has eased.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat advisory in advance of high humidity and temperatures in the 90s predicted over the next several days. During the forecasted period of hot weather, the Community Center will be open to citizens of all ages who need some air-conditioned relief. Weekday hours of operation are 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Weekend hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Special services will not be available (such as free use of the swimming pools, workout equipment, etc). Visitors can purchase a day-use pass if interested in using building amenities. Passes for tots (newborns to 2 years old) are free, for children (ages 3 to 11) are $4, for teens (ages 12 to 17) and seniors (62 years and up) are $5.00. Regular day-use pass prices for adults (ages 18 to 61) are $8.00. Access to common areas, including the lobby, game room, forest lounge, and restrooms, is free to all visitors, and the Splash Café in the main lobby will be open for drink and snack purchases.

No pets are allowed aside from service animals. For information, visit 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, city officials say there’s 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 experiencing homelessness

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

Ways to stay safe

• 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 safer 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.