What is an important safety action to take when a gas leak is suspected?

Evacuating the premises is a critical safety action when a gas leak is suspected. The presence of natural gas poses significant health and safety risks, including the potential for explosion or asphyxiation. When a leak is detected, the best immediate response is to ensure the safety of all individuals present by removing them from the environment where the gas may be accumulative. This minimizes the risk of ignition sources coming into contact with the gas and allows for professional responders to address the situation safely.

Other actions, such as checking the gas meter, turning off lights, or using a gas detection device, can be part of a broader safety response but are not prioritized above immediate evacuation. For instance, checking the gas meter or using detection devices requires the person to stay on-site and could expose them to danger, while turning off lights could create risks if it results in a spark. The paramount concern in situations involving a suspected gas leak is to ensure that all individuals are out of harm's way.