What actions should you take if you smell gas in a building?

When you smell gas in a building, the immediate and most crucial action is to evacuate the area and alert the gas company or emergency services. This response is essential for safety because natural gas is highly flammable and can lead to explosions or fires if ignited. Evacuation ensures that individuals are moved away from potential danger, minimizing the risk of harm.

Reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities allows trained professionals to assess the leak and address the issue safely. This combined action prioritizes the safety of all occupants and prevents a potentially hazardous situation from escalating.

Opening windows and doors may seem like a reasonable action, but it does not address the need for immediate evacuation from the danger zone. Lighting a match is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk of ignition. Continuing to use appliances is similarly unsafe, as it could ignite the gas present in the air. Hence, immediate evacuation and notifying experts is the only appropriate response.