Greener Durham

09/08/2026

While you're updating your emergency kit, build an Extreme Weather kit as well!

September is National Preparedness Month - the perfect time to check your readiness. Below are tools, tips, and resources to help you, your families, and neighbors prepare for extreme weather, emergencies, and other hazards:
✅ Know your neighbors & how to check in on those who may need extra support!
✅ Check out DCo's Public Health Preparedness page so you can feel confident during an emergency: https://dconc.gov/Public-Health/Environmental-Health/Public-Health-Preparedness
✅ Share games & resources with the kids in your life so they can feel confident too: https://www.ready.gov/kids
✅ Sign up for Alert Durham notifications: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=dconc
✅ Restock your emergency kit (water, meds, flashlights, portable chargers, non-perishables)
✅ Join the ReadyNC Challenge to prep a little and save a lot: https://www.readync.gov/ready-nc-challenge-prep-little-save-lot
✅ Take a deep dive into FEMA's Are You Ready? Guide: English - https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/are-you-ready-guide.pdf; Spanish -https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/are-you-ready-guide_spanish.pdf

Stay safe, Durham 💙

09/03/2026

Durham County has cooling centers to help provide relief during these extreme heat days! Share with your neighbors - and stay cool, Durham ❄️

Extreme heat is expected in our area this week. With heat indexes climbing into the triple digits, staying safe and cool is essential. If you or someone you know needs relief from the heat, several Durham County Library locations will operate as cooling centers during normal business hours from Wednesday, September 2 through Saturday, September 5.

Cooling Center Locations and Hours:

North Regional Library – 221 Milton Road
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

East Regional Library – 211 Lick Creek Lane
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

South Regional Library – 4505 S. Alston Avenue
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m..
Thursday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Main Library – 300 N. Roxboro Street
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Southwest Regional Library – 3605 Shannon Road
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Stanford L. Warren Branch Library – 1201 Fayetteville Street
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Heat of this magnitude can be dangerous. To help prevent heat‑related illness:
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid caffeinated, sugary, or alcoholic drinks
• Reduce outdoor activities
• Stay in air conditioning when possible
• Watch for symptoms of heat‑related illness
• Stay informed

Find additional tips on preventing heat‑related illness here: https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/occupational-and-environmental-epidemiology/climate-and-your-health/extreme-heat/know-signs-heat-illness-and-what-do

09/02/2026

Check out yesterday's Too Cool Tuesday! 😎

08/19/2026

Join us for a very special opportunity this Saturday in Durham!

FREE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP:
🛠️ Durham DIY Community Energy Workshop: Comfort, Safety, & Savings Made Easy

Together we will learn:
⭐ The basics of home energy efficiency
⭐ Tips on how to save money on your energy bills
⭐ Upgrades to make your home more comfortable

This event includes a hands-on portion for attendees to learn how to do free and low-cost retrofits in their own home.

🎁 As a bonus, each attendee can leave with FREE home improvement supplies to help with these DIY (do-it-yourself) fixes!

Children are welcome, and activities will be provided! Refreshments will be available.

🎟️ Register to attend - spots are limited!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992388927917?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/19/2026

08/12/2026

Stay cool, Durham!

08/04/2026

Hey, Durham! It’s Too Cool Tuesday, and we are back with another practical tip to help you stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe during Durham’s hottest months.

You will be told to “stay hydrated,” this summer likely more times that you can count. Staying hydrated is more than just drinking water. It is an intentional act of giving your body enough water to avoid dehydration which can be dangerous.

High temperatures can increase your risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses. Drinking enough water helps your body regulate temperature and stay healthy.

Remember to drink water regularly throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outdoors, working in the heat, or engaging in physical activity. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty; by then your body may already be dehydrated.

Other tips on how to prevent heat-related illness can be found or to sign up for heat alerts can be found here:
Durham County Sustainability webpage: at https://dconc.gov/extreme-heat. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health Extreme Heat webpage is another resource and can be accessed at https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/occupational-and-environmental-epidemiology/climate-and-your-health/extreme-heat

07/09/2026

Hey Durham, It's Too Cool Tuesday!

Did you know that some medications can raise your risk of heat‑related illness?

Certain medications can interact with the heat, leading to potentially serious side effects. For example, some medications do not mix well with heat, making it harder for your body to stay cool. Which is super convenient during a heat wave, right?

Some of the most common drugs can make the heat harder to handle. Do you research and speak with a medical professional if you believe your medication could be dangerous on hot days.

Other tips on how to prevent heat-related illness can be found or to sign up for heat alerts can be found on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health Extreme Heat webpage
https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/occupational-and-environmental-epidemiology/climate-and-your-health/extreme-heat