What should you do after pouring baking soda onto a flaming pan?

Using baking soda to extinguish a flaming pan is effective because it helps to smother the flames. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which can displace oxygen and reduce the fuel for combustion. This action can effectively diminish the flames and prevent further fire spread.

While other options may seem sensible in certain contexts, they do not address the immediate action required to extinguish flames effectively. For instance, calling for help may be necessary in severe emergencies, but it would not help in the moment when immediate action is needed. Checking if food is burning might be relevant, but the priority should be to extinguish the flame first to prevent a disaster. Opening windows for ventilation can actually make the situation worse by introducing more oxygen, which fuels the fire. Therefore, smothering the flames with baking soda is the best and most immediate response in this scenario.