With the scorching heat upon us, the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St., was activated as a cooling center over the weekend and doors will be open again today from 1-8 p.m. This free and accessible option is open to anyone, and under current reopening guidelines, face masks are required in the building. Pets are not allowed due to building policies and to protect those with allergies, but tents and cold water stations will be set up outside in the shade.

Check the Washington State Department of Health’s hot weather safety page at https://www.doh.wa.gov/emergencies/bepreparedbesafe/severeweatherandnaturaldisasters/hotweathersafety