Over the weekend, a “true summer heat wave” will scald Western Pennsylvania and Butler County, bringing with it a steamy mix of humidity that will make it feel like temperatures are above 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Aside from fleeing for cooler climates, the National Weather Service and other organizations have a few suggestions to prevent the county's population from roasting.

The weather service suggests drinking plenty of fluids, but not the alcoholic kind as that leads to further dehydration, in an air-conditioned room. Additionally, it is advised to make like a vampire and avoid the sun at all costs. The heat advisory begins on Friday evening and continues into Saturday evening. The weather service and other organizations remind people to check on elderly people and those with special needs to lend them a hand.

“Not only will afternoon temperatures and humidity be dangerously high, but there won't be much relief at night for many,” the National Weather Service noted on social media. “Record warm low temperatures are expected too, with 123 records forecast to be tied or broken.”

But staying in a cool, dark room might only be a temporary refuge. There is a danger that electric power will be lost. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission cautioned people in a news release that high temperatures and humidity levels can cause severe weather outbreaks leading to power outages.

In Zelienople, the borough asked residents to limit power use on Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.

Todd Meyers, a spokesman with West Penn Power, said that in May the utility, which serves large parts of the county, inspected electric dispersal substations to check for overheating.

The utility went to substations and used thermal image equipment to look at transformers and relays, which can get very hot, to see if anything was overheating.

“If there's something that's going to break, it's going to be when there's a lot of demand,” Meyers said. “The equipment will heat up, and since most of it is air cooled, it will never get a chance to cool off in the heat. And that's what we're looking at here this weekend. We try to smooth out potential problems and get equipment replaced. We do our best to be proactive.”

Meyers noted that electrical supply won't be an issue this weekend, but added that “there's a lot of equipment out there, so there's still a potential that something will go wrong. It won't be a widespread problem. It will be a localized problem if there is an issue. But we're not expecting anything widespread.”

He added that the company has staff on standby through the weekend to make any needed repairs.

If power goes out, Butler YMCA's membership director, Heidi Nicholls Bowser, said that residents can drop by. Regardless of membership, Nicholls Bowser said the Y will offer free showers to anyone who loses power. And for people who aren't members, but want more than a shower, Nicholls Bowser said that the Y will offer two free weeks of membership beginning on Friday.

“The cool lap pool is currently open. We have a full arsenal of aquatics classes going on right now,” Nicholls Bowser said. “That would be something I would definitely suggest people use. If you're used to hiking or running outside, it might be a good opportunity to come into the gym and do your routine here, where we have air conditioning.”

The YMCA also has a generator in the event of a city power outage.

With the temperature rising over the weekend, various organizations have suggested safety tips. Several are collected below.- Keep your cellphone charged, so you can contact your utility, other emergency services and family members during a possible power outage.- Secure necessary food, medicine and other supplies, including batteries for flashlights.Butler County residents are primarily served by two companies. West Penn Power's number is 888-544-4877. Central Electric Cooperative can be reached at 800- 282-8610.- Close curtains or window blinds to block sunlight and heat, and relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.- If you have window air conditioning units, close off rooms not in use.- On hot and humid days, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away for long periods.Todd Meyer, a West Penn Power spokesman, had some money-saving techniques.“Everyone should make sure their house is properly insulated. That can pay real dividends. That will help save money and keep the house comfortable year-round,” Meyers said.He said to make sure that furniture is not blocking air conditioner vents or grates, as that will prevent proper air circulation.But even with all of these measures, Meyers said, residents could be surprised with a high electric bill.“If you can stand it and don't have elderly people or young children, put the thermostat up — meaning, increase the temperature. Every one degree higher is a 2 percent saving on your bill.”