By The Survivors Club Staff
February 3, 2010

Omaha wife and mother Dorothy McLean recently lived through a terrifying ordeal when her house caught fire when she was alone and she found herself trapped in the basement, unable to escape.

Fortunately, firefighters were able to break down the door in time to rescue the 82-year-old, although her beloved dog Shelly did not survive, according to ActionNews.com.

In the days since the accident, McLean's husband Motto has tried to cheer his wife up, telling her that "you're not taking the easy way out of this marriage, I'm not done with you yet," quoted by the news provider.

After she was released from hospital, the firefighters who rescued McLean brought her flowers.

"I told them, I can't tell you enough how much you mean to me," she said, according to KPTM News, "I respect them more than ever."

The Centers for Disease Control says home fires killed 2,580 people and injured another 12,925 (not including firefighters) in the U.S. in 2006.

However, many tragedies can be avoided if smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are properly installed.

The Office of Emergency Management says that during a fire emergency, it is important to crawl low in smoke towards the nearest exit covering the mouth with a cloth and once outside never go back. Moreover, tall buildings should be evacuated via stairs not elevators.

When smoke is spotted, it is crucial to leave the property first and then dial 911 as most people die from smoke inhalation and not from flames.

As many fires start in the kitchen, it is good practice to keep combustible items away from the cooking area, and use a fire extinguisher or a lid, rather than water, to put out a grease fire.