What action should be taken immediately if you smell gas?

If you smell gas, the immediate action you should take is to evacuate the area and contact authorities. This is critical because gas leaks can pose serious safety hazards, including the risk of explosion, fire, or other harmful consequences. By evacuating the area, you minimize your risk of harm to yourself and others nearby.

Contacting the appropriate authorities, such as the gas company and emergency services, ensures that trained professionals can assess the situation and handle it safely. It is essential to leave the area promptly without trying to find the source of the smell or engage in activities that could ignite the gas, such as turning on lights or using electrical appliances, as these actions can lead to a dangerous situation. Evacuating and alerting authorities is the safest and most responsible response to a gas smell.