What should be done if a gas smell is detected in a building?

When a gas smell is detected in a building, the safety of the occupants is the top priority. Evacuating the building and calling for assistance is the immediate response that minimizes the risk of an explosion or poisoning from gas exposure. Natural gas is highly flammable, and even a small leak can lead to dangerous conditions if ignited. By evacuating the premises, you remove individuals from the hazardous environment, ensuring their safety while the situation is assessed and managed by professionals.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not prioritize safety to the same extent. Checking appliance settings may be prudent once the danger has been addressed, and ventilating the area may help alleviate a buildup of gas, but it should not be the first step taken when a potential leak is identified. Turning off electrical appliances could theoretically reduce the risk of a spark igniting the gas, but primarily, the focus should be on quickly removing individuals from the danger zone and involving emergency responders who are trained to handle gas hazards properly.