Spare the Air in Fair Oaks

Today marks the first Spare the Air day in the Sacramento area, and the community of Fair Oaks will be spared no exception.

Also, It's going to be 101 degrees in Fair Oaks today, according to the National Weather Service.

Fair Oaks residents are adivsed to take appropriate precautions today as the air quality index (AQI) irks one point past the "unhealthy" category, reaching 151 AQI. In much of the Sacramento area, the index is 150, which is the highest within the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.

According to the Spare the Air website, when the Air Quality Index reaches unhealthy levels, it’s important for people, especially children, to limit extended outdoor exertion. Children and adults with respiratory diseases, like asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion all together.

While it probably goes without saying that 25-mile bike ride along the American River is probably a bad idea, some will still find themselves at the mercy of Mother Nature's hot embrace today. For those who can't avoide the heat, remember to stay hydrated.

Here are some other ways to spare the air in your area:

How can you help Spare the Air?

• Drive less – Take the bus whenever possible
• Carpool – Take turns driving to work, the gym, anywhere with a carpool buddy
• Take public transit – In Roseville, ride free during Spare the Air days
• Avoid aerosol products – Solids, sticks and gel cleaners, hair products and antiperspirants are more environmentally friendly
• BBQ with gas – Forget the charcoal lighter fluid; use an electric starter or a propane gas grill