As a native Rhode Islander, the fire last night hit close to home. I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to anyone who may have lost friends or loved ones in either of the nightclub tragedies this week.

In the interests of preventing further loss of life, it is not too close to these sad events to suggest that the outcome of the impending investigations and subsequent public safety hearings not be new laws.

Permits and code enforcement are a means of ensuring that public safety is not needlessly put at risk. However, as we have seen, when an emergency does arise something more is required to protect lives. The responsibility of that task falls squarely on the shoulders of club managers and the performers themselves.

For their own safety and the safety of their patrons, club management should announce the locations of all emergency exits to audiences before performers take the stage.

Furthermore, performers themselves should be made aware of emergency exit locations. In the event of an emergency during the course of a show, performers on stage are the individuals best equipped to coordinate a quick, safe, and orderly escape from a dangerous situation. In an emergency – even in clubs not filled to capacity – seconds can save lives.

I hope that club management and performers alike will take this proactive approach to protecting themselves and their audiences

Labels: Rhode Island, Station Fire