Due to the high temperatures expected this week, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for Thursday and Friday, Aug. 16-17. Residents in Pierce County can seek relief from the heat by visiting local malls, restaurants, theaters, libraries, and other air-conditioned facilities in local neighborhoods.

People are urged to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and visit one of the following facilities for a cooler environment:

•        Local Pierce County Library branches (Sumner Pierce County Library will close at noon on both days)

•        Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 S. C St., Spanaway/Parkland, 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday

•        South Hill Mall, 3500 S. Meridian, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday

•        Anderson Island Fire Department, 12207 Lake Josephine Blvd., 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday

•        Fife Community Center 2111 54th Ave. E, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday

•        City of Buckley Multi Purpose Center, 811 East Main, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday

•        Buckley Youth Activity Center, 251 River Ave. S., noon to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday

•        Mid County Community Center, 10205 44th Ave. E in Tacoma, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, closed Friday

•        Steilacoom Community Center, 2301 Worthington St., 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday

•        Bonney Lake Senior Center, 19304 Bonney Lk Blvd, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday

•        Chapel Hill Church, 7700 Skansie Ave., Gig Harbor, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Thursday, closed Friday

•        City of DuPont Public Safety Building EOC, 1780 Civic Dr., 1 to 10 p.m. Today through Sunday

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on neighbors and family members, particularly infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness, and those who are physically ill.

Pets may also suffer from symptoms of excessive heat exposure.  Do not leave pets unattended in a parked car for any period of time. If you believe your pet may be experiencing symptoms of heat exposure call your veterinarian and seek assistance. The following locations allow people and their domesticated pets to come in and get out of the heat. Pets need to be on a leash or in a crate and owners must provide water if they plan on being in the store for long periods of time.

•        Lowes – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (all Lowes in Pierce County)

•        PetSmart (all) – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

•        VCA Animal Hospital (10324 Pacific Ave. S in Tacoma) – open 24 hrs/day

For additional information regarding hot weather personal safety, visit Tacoma Pierce County Health Department website:http://www.tpchd.org/news.php?nid=693