I'd miss the baby pictures of my kid. I'd feel bad about Fish if he boiled in his tank. I'd regret leaving the kitties if I couldn't get them loaded up fast enough. Medication is important but can be replaced.
Even if I owned my home, I still cannot imagine risking my life for my home, unless I had a steady water supply, a fire-proof shelter to hide in, and Scott air equipment. Even then it would be iffy.
What were those people thinking? What was worth more than their lives?