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 believe it comes down to the basics, whenever large crowds are involved, or you are confined within a building etc. you should always have 2 escape routes in mind. No different than going on an airplane. This fire could have been avoided, but it also could have been started by faulty wiring, cigarettes etc. a number of reasons, regardless, the tragedy would still have occurred, so really, all one can do is be a bit prudent when safety is at risk, which it always is in crowds.

L S, Taunton

1. Sprinklers for any building w/ occupancy permit above 50 persons 2. Fire extinguisher per every 50 occupants at a minimum 3. All events begin with safety/exit announcements *4*. All occupants must be able to exit a single-story structure in under 3 minutes using only half of the available exits. (i.e. if it takes 1 minute for 50 people to exit a structure using 1 of 2 available exits, then a 300 person occupancy should have 12 exits (including doors, windows with sills no more than 32 inches from the floor, etc). 5. All door exits have at least two doors (left and right).

dave, seekonk

I think all night clubs should have very large emergency exits (like garage doors) that automatically open in an emergency, this would allow many people to exit at once and the exit would be large and visible to many people. The small red exit signs are often not seen in a crowded room or in a panic situation.

KAB, Boston

First my heart goes out to all those families who lost someone in this horrific fire and to those who may be suffering with severe burns. I don't understand how a club/bar does not have a sprinkler system this day in age. It should be manditory!! I know that I will be paying more attention to where the exits are when I enter a place like that. An idea from me would be to notify the crowd of where the exits are like when you attend the movies before the show. That might help..??

Anonymus, Boston

I think that in every establishment such as the Station, there should CLEARLY be signs to point out the the ways out. Maybe flashing exit signs to signify they are in working order; or can be opened in case of an emergency. I also think that NO closed-in area should be allowed to use pyrotechs. Example: Michael Jackson's hair could have very well been a flammable ceiling, that could have ignited a building in a matter of minutes as did in Warwick. I also think that establishments that hold that a certain amount of patrons should be madatorily required to have sprinkler systems - not the size of the establishment.

Francine , Boston

People should be aware of all possible exits when ARRIVING at a club, not only because of a fire but in any situation needed for a hasty retreat.

tony , cumberland

This was a freak accident. Everyone needs to back down. Life goes on. People are gonna do what they want. Many still have sex without protection, or ride planes and drive cards knowing people die in accidents all the time. We smoke cigs and some do drugs fully knowing the price to be paid. Check your history books, tragedies do happen, and life will never be perfected.

Greta, Arlington

In the future, all performers should be required to announce at the start and in the middle of every show, where the emergency exits are. They should call them out, shine flood lights on the exits, and repeat for every exit. This probably would have saved 50 lives or more in Rhode Island and serves as a reminder to venue owners to make sure the exits are unobstructed and well marked.

Gabe, Needham

Sprinklers should be mandatory in every public venue or facality....Period! This is a tragedy and hopefully their lives will not be lost for nothing or no reforms.

Jack, Boston

I read that Great White used pyrotechnics at the Stoned Pony on Valentines Day. The owners and staff were not informed beforehand. The Stoned Pony is a very small club in Atlantic Highlands where Springsteen started out. It's a miracle no fire broke out during that performance. I wonder why the Stoned Pony owners did not have the presence of mind to check Great White's tour schedule and try to warn other venues about this band's dangerous stage act. We need to do a better job of looking out for each other's safety. Maybe good samaritan laws are not such a bad idea.

Mark , Marblehead