Taking a brief glance at some of the accident statistics from the NTSB that covers between 1991 and 2010 accidents, where there are multiple fatalities or 1 fatality and major damage to Part 121 (Airline) aircraft, are uncommon.

As far a some survival tips, don't wear synthetic fabrics that melt in high temperatures, do wear real shoes and not sandals, flip flops, know where the closest exit is...keep in mind it may be behind you, if you are sitting in an emergency exit row take a look at the instructions for how to open it before you may be called upon to do it in a hurry, wear your seatbelt, and very importantly listen to your flight attendant they are there for more than serving you beverages.

Unless it's a completely fouled up situation you will be informed before hand that the airplane is making an emergency landing. The times where there isn't time to make preperations are shortly after takeoff where there just isn't time beyond making a brace call.