You notice an unusual chemical smell coming from OUTSIDE your dental office (e.g., from the surrounding area or building). What is generally the recommended immediate action?

When an unusual or hazardous-seeming odor originates from OUTSIDE the building, the generally recommended action is to shelter in place (remain indoors, close windows/doors, and avoid going outside into a potentially more concentrated or worse external hazard) until the situation is assessed or authorities provide further guidance — this is the opposite response compared with a hazard originating INSIDE your own building, where evacuation is usually appropriate.