What immediate action should be taken after detecting a leak?

When a gas leak is detected, the most critical and immediate action is to evacuate the area and call emergency services. This is because natural gas is flammable and can pose a serious risk of explosion or fire. Ensuring that all individuals leave the vicinity reduces the risk of injury or death due to inhalation of gas or a potential ignition source.

Evacuating allows for a safe distance from the hazard, while contacting emergency services brings trained professionals to the scene who can assess the situation and manage it safely. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle leaks effectively and to evaluate the risk involved, ensuring that the area is made safe before any further action is taken.

While other responses might seem reasonable in different contexts, they do not address the immediate dangers posed by a gas leak effectively. Attempting to repair the leak without proper training, for example, could lead to further risk. Ignoring the leak altogether could have dire consequences, and sealing windows would be ineffective and potentially dangerous, as it could trap gas inside, increasing the likelihood of exposure to toxic fumes or a catastrophic event.