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 think that night clubs should go through an introductory notification of where all exits are for all patrons before an event. Just like when you're in a movie theatre or on a plane,you are notified of all emergency procedures and exits before the even starts. It'll take 2 minutes and save lives! What a tragedy an waste of lives!

Sue, Boston

First, my hearts and prayers are with those involved with last night. I think it's important for us to remember that this is not just a problem with night clubs. Fire laws, occupancy laws, and egress requirements are obviously outdated. All buildings should have a required rate of exit that would allow the building to be completely evacuated within a few minutes. A fire of this magnitude at a sports venue could have had just as disasterous results - it's simply the number of nightclubs that increase the odds of disasters like this happening in one.

Dave, Scituate, MA

My late uncle (a former Boston firefighter) told me as a child to always look for exits (emergency or otherwise) whenever in a bar or club. It's something that my friends thought was odd, especially since I'd get very nervous if there wasn't an exit close by, if there weren't enough exits, or if it was too crowded. Maybe what is needed isemergeny floor lighting, similar to what is on airplanes, that mark the direction to the exits. Also, more and better located emergency exits.

AMP, Belmont MA

I don't think sprinklers would have helped in a place like that though and under those circumstances. At least that's what I heard the specialist say on tv.

Merry, Ashland, MA

Oh, sad it is that in times and days like these we are still concern with nighclubs safety; sep 11, mother drowing babies,2 nightclubs fires in one week, war in a near future " what does it takes for man to understand that we need to bend those knees and look to heaven.

sandra , mattapan

I don't understand why. How can they learn and understanding the things about Safety. It looks alike "The Lord King of Flames Warriors" That is sad and may God watch over them. Jason

Jason , Methuen

Entertainment should not be allowed in these old buildings. If so, all bldgs, even if they are 50 or 100 years old that will be used for concerts should be required to have sprinkler systems. If they do not want to spend the money then they should not be permitted to be used for entertainment. No political favors should ever override this. Careful inspections by town officials/inspectors/fireman/police should make certain that all exits are clear and in working order and that all electrical wiring is updated and meets code. No smoking should be allowed inside. There should be at least one policeman on duty to oversee what is going on. In this case, why didn't the owner or manager of the building see the band setting up these fireworks? If they had been more aware of what was going on, this could have been prevented. This type of tragedy has happened too often. The laws have got to become much more strict for these club owners.

Donna , Hooksett, NH

Oh sure. Let's put MORE legislation into an already overburdened Public. Let's protect everyone from their own stupidity! Why not just chain yourselves to your beds so that if there's an accident outside, you won't be able to be part of it. You'll be safe and cozy in your bed room. Get real. Life is risk. To go and live is to put yourself into the position of being hurt physically and emotionally. Get over yourselves.

Dan, Uxbridge

Any place that has a large capacity for crowds over 50 should have sprinklers, regardless of the sq. ft of the building.

Susan, Lexington

This is a perfect example of how stupidity can be deadly. What on earth were these people thinking?!?!

Kim, Natick