Here’s a direct way to do something to help the Haitian people after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the country, already one of the poorest in the world. Text “Haiti” to number 90999 to automagically donate $10 to the Red Cross. More info about the effort in this Mashable article. Meanwhile, at least one Capitol Hill establishment is holding a benefit to help survivors tonight — stop by Liberty tonight for a drink for Haiti.  Let us know if you hear about anything else.

Meanwhile, the planet is a dangerous place for the poor, yes, but the rest of us, too. Reminder that next Monday is the first meeting of a new Capitol Hill group organizing to rally a community emergency preparedness effort. I looked around the stores at CHS HQ earlier today and was concerned with what I didn’t have — even the emergency water is old. Help Haiti, help yourselves.