Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing this weekend in the Puget Sound region. For those without shelter during the day, Mayor Jim Ferrell announced that the Federal Way Community Center (FWCC), 876 S. 333rd St., will be activated as a warming center during the day to keep residents safe from the cold weather starting Thursday, Jan. 11, through Sunday, Jan. 14.

The Mayor is also planning to open an overnight shelter the same days at FUSION Transitional Housing. It is located off of Pacific Highway at 1108 S. 322nd Pl. and has been utilized as emergency cold overnight shelter in the past. Forecasts show that the temperature could reach the 20s from Thursday through Saturday.

“The safety of the Federal Way community is our top priority,” Ferrell said. “The City of Federal Way is taking immediate action to do everything possible to keep our residents safe from the dangers of cold weather. We expect temperatures to drop significantly this week, so the FWCC warming shelter is available until the weather improves.”

King County Regional Homelessness Authority has issued a Tier 3 Severe Weather Response from Jan. 10 to Jan. 16. This is their highest level of emergency cold weather response, which means they are “working to coordinate with cities to open additional 24/7 emergency shelters and warming centers, as well as several other activities which are outlined in our Cold Weather Activation Thresholds document.”

Other locations to get warm during the day include Federal Way libraries at 34200 1st Way South and 848 S. 320th St. The Federal Way Day Center is also open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 33505 13th Pl. S., Suite D.

Power outages

Over fifty Federal Way residents were affected by power outages on Tuesday morning as of 11 a.m. from the winds overnight, according to Puget Sound energy maps.

Puget Sound Energy shared Tuesday morning that “damaging winds moved through the Puget Sound region overnight – with gusts near 50 mph in some areas – resulting in power outages across our service area. Windy weather is expected to continue throughout the day, as well as blizzard conditions in areas above 2,000 feet, which may cause additional outages.”

The energy company also warned residents to “never touch downed power lines because they might be energized. Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed line and call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report problems.”

For those with shelter, Puget Sound Energy shared some reminders about how to stay warm safely during cold weather or power outages:

• Do not use charcoal or a gas grill to cook indoors.

• Never use a natural gas range for heating, or charcoal as an indoor heating source. This can cause a buildup of poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

• If you choose to use a portable home generator, read the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe operation of the generator.

• Do not operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces to avoid the buildup of carbon monoxide.

• If you’re using portable heaters, keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.

• Use flashlights instead of candles.