What should be done immediately if propane is inadvertently released?

In the event of an inadvertent release of propane, the immediate priority should be to ensure the safety of everyone in the vicinity. Evacuating the area is critical because propane is a highly flammable gas, and mixing it with air can create explosive conditions. Thus, removing people from the danger zone minimizes the risk of injury from potential ignition or explosion.

Following the evacuation, monitoring the area and reporting the situation to emergency services like the fire department would be appropriate next steps, but the initial response must focus on the immediate safety of individuals present. This is a fundamental principle in hazardous material handling — ensuring human safety first in any emergency situation involving flammable gases.