CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Charlottesville is designating several heat relief centers around the city ahead of the very hot weather that is in the forecast.

According to a release, community members are urged to stay informed about heat safety in order to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The designated heat relief centers for this weekend are:

  • Key Recreation Center - open 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
  • Tonsler Recreation Center - open 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, closed on Sunday
  • Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed on Sunday
  • The Haven - open 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
  • Salvation Army of Charlottesville - open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. 

The city says water will be available for people at the Salvation Army location.

When it comes to heat-related illness, there are several symptoms for which people can watch.

With heat cramps, people will experience muscle cramps and pain, often in the legs and abdomen, heavy sweating, fatigue and thirst.

In heat exhaustion, symptoms include headache, dizziness and light-headedness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, cool and moist skin, and dark urine.

And for heat stroke, there will be a high fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, irrational behavior, extreme confusion, dry/hot and red skin, rapid or shallow breathing, rapid or weak pulse, seizures, and even unconsciousness.

If a person may be experiencing any of these conditions or other emergencies, people should get them to lie down in a cool area, apply wet and cool clothes to the skin and use a fan to lower body temperature, help the person sip water or a sports drink, massage muscles cramps, and call 911 in the case of severe conditions such as shock, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Residents are also asked to keep an eye on their neighbors, especially infants and children, people 65 or older, and those who have chronic health conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure.

Some people cannot avoid going out in the heat, so city officials offer tips to stay safe.

These include limiting outdoor activities to morning and evening hours, cutting down on exercise, taking frequent rest breaks, wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, drinking more fluids, avoiding alcohol, staying inside in air-conditioned environments if possible, and taking a cool shower or bath.