A post for Mumsnetters who might think that their smoke alarms are functioning fully! I had checked the batteries in mine but couldn't recall the date. Yesterday, I put my porridge in the microwave for the required three minutes (I thought). Went back upstairs to finish dressing. After about five - six minutes I began to notice a strange smell. Then I say smoke appearing on my landing. Rushed downstairs, put oven off and opened front and back doors and some windows. The smoke was dreadful and really stinging my eyes and throat.andea. This happened SO quickly and brought home to me just how toxic the smoke would have been if furniture, curtains etc, had been on fire. I know that smoke kills but this was so fast. I am not sure if this post is in the right place because I want it to reach as many people as possible. It was an extremely frightening experience I would not want others to go through it. My own fault because I was complacent. New smoke alarms being fitted today and I am going to ask the Fire Service to check. Am now left with dreadful smoke smelling rooms and wondering how to deal with that!