Despite High Heat And Bad Air Quality, No Spare The Air Alerts Were Issued In Sacramento — But Why?

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Monday's hot weather and bad air quality in Sacramento prompted the elderly, pregnant and those with asthma to stay indoors.

Even though we've had back-to-back triple-digit days now, there still was not a Spare The Air alert day. In fact, we haven't had any Spare The Air days all year — but why?

Sports and swimming are the favorite pastimes of cousins Titus and Brennan. The sweltering summer days affect the whole family. Their mom, Sacramento resident Diamond Littlejohn, said the heat and pollution forced her to take action.

"I've actually had to have two inhalers because the air quality was so bad," Littlejohn said.

Sacramento Air District usually warns residents like Littlejohn of bad air quality with their Spare The Air alert system.

"The Sacramento Air District wants to empower residents to take actions to protect their health," said Sacramento Air District spokesperson Emily Allshouse.

Allshouse said when the Air Quality Index or AQI reaches 126 or higher, a Spare the Air warning is issued to the valley signaling to at-risk people to stay inside.

"Maybe you don't want to take those kids to soccer practice," she said.

The alert also asks Sacramentans to stay off the roadways.

"We need to drive less or take alternative transportation," Allshouse said.

Spare the Air has existed for nearly 30 years to help reduce California's carbon emissions – and the district says it's working.

In 2002, the district issued 22 Spare The Air days. In 2018, there were 20. In 2022 so far, there have been zero warnings issued, which marks a first since the district began reporting.

So, why are we seeing fewer Spare The Air days?

"We have car-sharing programs and that helps people get introduced to electric vehicles. We also have Clean Cars For All which is a program to help disadvantaged areas purchase clean vehicles. Spare The Air is a campaign we've put a lot of resources into and we have seen results," Allshouse said.

As fire season gets going, it's likely more alerts will be issued. The district said, if you are elderly or struggle with asthma or respiratory issues, it's best to stay inside.

You can sign up for Spare The Air email alerts, and there is an app you can also download.