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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Any venues that have large crowds should be properly marked with large-lighted EXIT signs, and people instructed on ways to leave the bulding in case of an emergency, such as a fire or earthquake, (bombing)...Also proper supervision of such sites should be, like with airlines, instructing their audiences on emergency procedures: to leave in an orderly manner. Also building codes should be more strict for such sites, to include redundant sprinkler systems, and exit doors to be automated to open outwards at the same time. We have the technology to do this. Saving lives, not the bottom-line should rule here, in reflection of these disasters (that could have been avoided). LOT

Lewis, Newburyport MA

I think that no matter how small the building that sprinklers should be mandatory. Imagine how many lives would have been saved (probably most if not all) if there had been sprinklers? Also, everything a band or any other kind of entertainment sets up on the stage should be inspected BEFORE they start for the night. Again, if they were supposedly not told that the band was going to use pyrotechnics, and if they inspected everything just before they went on to perform, those sparklers would not have been used or safety measures, such as fire extinguishers nearby could have been used. Saving all of those lives. It's not just the bands responsibility, it's the stage managers, the club managers and the owners responsibility. So, my thought is, that everyone involved should share the responsibility of the charges that will most definitely be filed. God Bless all those people and the families and friends they've left behind.

Cathy, Shrewsbury

Fern, It could still happen in boston, I've been in numerous clubs that were well over capacity. My boyfriend also bounced in a couple of clubs and it is the general rule to allow a certain number of "guests" over occupency.

Mish, Brockton, MA

Let all peacefully rest in peace. You reached heaven when you were enjoying.

Vick, Boston

One thing that struck me was that the band said that they had permission to use the pyrotechnics and the owners said that they never granted that permission. Just another case of "get it in writing", unless you work for the Massachusetts government, then it doesn't matter if it is in writing. My heart and prayers go out to the families who lost their loved ones in the fire, and also to those who were injured.

Dave, Malden

Given the overwhelming evidence that the pyrotechnics started the fire, it seems obvious to me that the use of any pyrotechnic device indoors must be made illegal. The effect of lights, explosions, and flame, while dramatic, do little to make the music better. The occasional use of such devices and gimmicks at sporting events should also be banned. The price if just too high - human lives!

Jim, Marlborough

the owners are responsible for these deaths and injuries. they should send them to jail for many years. they have a responsibility . these clubs should be closed and the fire commissioners, code units, buiding inspectors should be required to sign off on these places.

rich, west roxbury

Several bars and restaurants in the Greater Boston area have shows like what was in RI. It is only a matter of time before a disaster of the same magnitude occurs here. In Malden there is a restaurant on Middlesex Ave that has serious fire and safety violations but the city has done nothing to resolve them.

T, Malden

First of all, it is a real tragedy that any place where a large number of people gather that there is not a sprinkler system, even if it does fall under the so called "square footage provision" where it is not required under law. The owners have a moral obligation to protect the public. Second, fire exits need to be more clearly identified, perhaps a flier handed out on admission showing where they are. My uncle, who is a retired Lowell firefighter always taught me when entering a place with many people to look where all the exits are and try to sit close to one. It is time to take a hard look at these establishments and take immediate preventive measures.

Mike, Marshfield

1. Laws and ordinances should be enforced. 2. Public places should be required to have up-to-date fire protection, no matter when they were built.

Bob, Clinton, MA