Welcome to Durham, CT
Welcome to the official website of the Town of Durham! Our town, nestled in the heart of Middlesex County, is a tapestry of scenic beauty, historic charm, and community spirit. Durham, with its serene landscapes and deep-rooted history, offers a unique blend of tranquility and vibrancy, embodying the essence of a quintessential small town.
This website is your digital window into Durham, providing a wealth of resources, latest updates, and a peek into the aspects that make our town extraordinary. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, we invite you to explore, connect, and discover all that Durham has to offer.
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July 14 - 16, 2026: According to the latest forecast, during this period Connecticut is expected to experience temperatures reaching into the mid-to-high 90s, with the heat index surpassing 100 degrees at times. The Town of Durham wants to remind our residents that the following town owned buildings that are available for cooling off:
Community Center, 144 Pickett Lane
Tuesday 7/14, Wednesday 7/15, and Thursday 7/16
8:30 a.m., to 8:00 p.m.
Durham Public Library, 7 Maple Avenue
Tuesday 7/14, Wednesday 7/15, and Thursday 7/16
9:00 a.m., – 8:00 p.m.
Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol functions to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severely hot and humid weather, which could be life threatening, especially for those of a certain age or with certain medical conditions. While activated, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.
Additional Cooling centers will be available throughout Connecticut. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by viewing the list that will be published online at www.211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
• Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.
Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:
• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.
To subscribe to emergency alerts through the state’s CT Alert notification system, visit ct.gov/ctalert.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.
Community Center, 144 Pickett Lane
Tuesday 7/14, Wednesday 7/15, and Thursday 7/16
8:30 a.m., to 8:00 p.m.
Durham Public Library, 7 Maple Avenue
Tuesday 7/14, Wednesday 7/15, and Thursday 7/16
9:00 a.m., – 8:00 p.m.
Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol functions to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severely hot and humid weather, which could be life threatening, especially for those of a certain age or with certain medical conditions. While activated, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.
Additional Cooling centers will be available throughout Connecticut. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by viewing the list that will be published online at www.211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
• Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.
Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:
• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.
To subscribe to emergency alerts through the state’s CT Alert notification system, visit ct.gov/ctalert.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.
Featured
Extreme Heat Protocol | July 14-16, 2026
Emergency Management/Services (Fire, EMS & Resident State Trooper)
Click to view -- >> Update from the First Selectman Brendan Rea - July 2026
Featured
Update from First Selectman Brendan Rea | July 2026
First Selectman
Notice is hereby given that a Primary of the political party listed below will be held in your town on August 11, 2026 for nomination to each office indicated below.
SEE FULL LEGAL NOTICE2026 Notice of Primary.pdf
SEE FULL LEGAL NOTICE2026 Notice of Primary.pdf
Featured
NOTICE OF DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY: AUGUST 11, 2026
Elections
The Board of Selectmen, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 7-191(b), will hold a Public Hearing to receive comments and recommendations regarding the Draft Report of Proposed Amendments to the Town Charter from the Durham Charter Revision Commission.
-->> CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION <<--
-->> CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION <<--
Featured
Public Hearing | Draft Report of Proposed Amendments to the Town Charter
Board of Selectmen
Upcoming Meeting & Events
Economic Development
We can't spell Durham without U
Durham is a town with a rich history and strong agricultural roots. This video takes you through our tight-knit community, where every resident contributes to the unique fabric of Durham. Our story is as diverse and enduring as every individual who becomes a part of it. This is your invitation to dive into the narrative that makes Durham a charming and vibrant place.
