What is what to do when smoke alarm goes off while cooking?

Here's what to do when your smoke alarm goes off while cooking:

• Don't Panic: The first and most important thing is to stay calm. A smoke alarm going off while cooking is a common occurrence and doesn't necessarily mean there's a real fire.

• Identify the Cause: Determine if it's actual smoke from cooking, or something more serious. If it's burnt food or steam triggering the alarm, proceed with the following steps. If you see flames or suspect a real fire, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.

• Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to clear the air and disperse the smoke. Turn on the exhaust fan above your stove if you have one. Increasing ventilation can quickly resolve the issue.

• Fan the Alarm: Use a towel or newspaper to fan the smoke away from the smoke alarm. This can help the alarm to reset more quickly.

• Silence the Alarm: Most smoke alarms have a "hush" button or a test/silence button. Press this button to temporarily silence the alarm. The location of this button varies depending on the type of smoke%20alarm you have, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Prevent Recurrence: Adjust your cooking methods to minimize smoke production in the future. Use lower heat settings, avoid burning food, and keep a closer watch on what you're cooking. Consider relocating your smoke%20detector if it is too close to the cooking area as a last resort, following local codes.