In the wake of last night's fatal fire at a Rhode Island nightclub and a stampede earlier this week at a Chicago venue, safety measures at clubs nationwide will likely be reevaluated. What measures should be taken in Boston to ensure the safety of its nightspots? What lessons can be learned -- by venue owners and concertgoers alike -- in terms of safety at clubs? .

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I hope that there is enough human decesency out there that nobody takes advantage of this situation and claims that they are a victim when they were not even there. I work at a law firm and we have had some calls from people claiming they are victims. I hope and pray that there are no losers out there trying to cash in.

rich, auburn

There should be a public safety announcement before every performance in small venues like this. It should be standard operating procedure just like on the airlines. People died because they did not know where the exits where located. Many of those lives could have been saved with a simple announcement before the performance.

Pat, Hingham

This is a horrible tragedy, and I think it is shameful of the club to play the blame game with this band. If you own a club, you are responsible for everything that goes on in that establishment. If they were so concerned about the safety of the patrons, they should have done so by taking better preventative measures. To blame the band in the light of the tragedy is shameful, and it shows how this club was ruled by people who only care about money.

Billy, Providence

My heart and force go out to all those who died in this awful fire. I hope that both all parties responsible (including the band members if so be it..) will go to jail for this, I think that is the standard here. Hopefully we will come up with new tests for fire safety, this is a demonstration of a blind spot we have.

Tekwizad, Watertown

I disagree with thinking that there need to be announcements of where the exits are...are we sheep that need to led? Where is the expectation to manage your own safety? Going into a crowded place (think Fenway Park, for example, and how difficult it would be to get out of there quickly) is one's own decision and it comes with the risks associated with that. It is erroneous to start thinking that it is the business's responsiblity to think of every possible emergency situation and to educate their customer's of what to do in that case. I am not trying to be callous nor naive - I know there are breaches of policy out there, but I am tired of people wanting everyone else to take care of them with no personal responbility whatsoever.

Beth, Brookline

Before each show, they should make announcements to notice each exit. The owners should be responsible to make sure those exits are clear

Tragically Hip, Boston

It doesn't matter whether or not they had permission, the band members should have used common sense and realized that the facility wasn't appropriate for pyrotechnics. A little common sense would have saved all of those lives.

Disgusted, Somerville

Fire Extinguishers should be easily located and there should always be one near the stage/s.

Meg, Boston

A sprinkler system should be MANDATORY in any venue where over 100 people gather. Emergency exits should be sufficient for the number of people in the building if they are attempting to RUN out of a building.

Rob, Framingham, MA

Two words: enforcement and punishment. In both recent tragedies it appears that existing laws or regulations were not followed. Perhaps if punishments were more severe or more easily enforced owners and promoters would be more likely to follow them.

Matt, Brighton