It must have been a frightening decision.

Corey Burgess raced back into his burning Belmont, Wis., home to save his 8-year-old daughter. But in so doing he broke a fire safety rule that poses an ethical dilemma.

"Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building," according to the National Fire Protection Association Web site.

Authorities recommend waiting for the firefighters, who have the equipment and expertise to safely locate someone trapped in the fire.

Burgess' attempt to rescue his daughter ended in tragedy when authorities found the 38-year-old man and his daughter, Destiny, dead after they tried to escape out a basement door.

"I commend that gentleman for going after his daughter," Dubuque Assistant Fire Marshal Mike McMahon said.

As a parent, McMahon said it could be excruciating to wait for crews to arrive, especially in a rural area. However, he said it's better to have someone alive waiting outside to direct firefighters to the location of the trapped person.

"People have to make that decision for themselves. If it's a little smoke, can I make it back to my son or daughter?" McMahon said. "As firefighters, we have to stick with telling people, once you're out, stay out. Allow firefighters to go back in."

As local firefighters gear up for Fire Safety Week, October 4-10, Dubuque Fire Chief Dan Brown and the National Fire Protection Association Web site offer these tips to form a family fire escape plan.

Keep a clutter-free home

Clutter can be dangerous during a fire. It can block exits, fuel a fire and even contribute to starting a fire. Keep hallways and doorways clear so people can navigate even if they can't see. Store boxes, furniture and other items away from water heaters, washers, dryers and appliances that produce heat.

Smoke detectors

Install a smoke detector in every bedroom and common area of the home. Smoke detectors must be no older than 10 years. Check the batteries frequently. Smoke detectors are the first warning of a fire and give people a chance to escape using the easiest exit route

Have 2 exits

You should have two escape routes from every room, whether it's the door or a window. Install windows that open quickly and easily. For a second-story window, occupants may have to use a ladder or hop onto the roof of a garage.

Practice opening a window with a small child. If the child can't exit through the door and can't get out of the window, ask them to put a blanket underneath their door to keep the smoke out and open the window enough to yell "Help, fire!"

Check the exits

Keeping bedroom doors closed helps keep the fire from spreading. However, a closed door makes it more important for the room's occupant to proceed with care.

Keep low to the ground to avoid smoke and feel doors for warmth before opening them. If the door is hot, fire could lurk on the other side. Choose a different exit. Teach children to be flexible. If they can't exit the back door, try the front door.

Small Children

Parents should be in close proximity to their young children or infants to help them during a fire. Make sure someone is assigned to help young children or family members who can't make it out on their own. Have a backup, in case the person isn't home at the time.

Meeting place

Designate a common meeting area outside the home, whether at the end of the driveway, near a large tree in the yard or a neighbor's porch. The meeting place should be immobile (don't choose a car), far enough away from the house to be safe, but close enough so everyone can meet quickly.

Call the fire department once you're safely outside, using a cell phone or neighbor's phone.

Practice

Having a plan won't do you any good if you don't practice it, Brown said.

Frequent practice drills reinforce the plan for young children and give adults an idea of how long it takes to get to a child's bedroom or meet other family members outside. Practicing also gives you the opportunity to improve your plan before it's too late.