Text message with a Public Safety Message to prepare for potential emergency evacuation

We’re spending an hour to batten down the hatches and do some preparation (yet again) for another potential emergency evacuation in Altadena, CA. This one due to potential mud slides and debris flows expected in the Eaton Fire burn scar areas with impending heavy rains this afternoon. I suspect we’re probably reasonably safe  due to our neighborhood’s location with respect to Eaton Canyon (i.e. the mountain and the canyon walls should divert flow to the Southeast of our neighborhood). This being said, having endured one catastrophe this year, I know to anticipate the worst. 

The notice came at about noon as dark clouds impinge on us from the mountains North of us and from the East. Weather reports began last night and some have predicted intermittent rain, highly uncommon for us this time of year, which may see rates as high as 2 inches per hour.  We have several evacuation routes and plans ready (including escape to the roof if necessary).

The sun is still shining overhead with a sustained breeze of about 5 miles per hour.

Fingers crossed. 

Acquired Vintage Copy Holder (Unknown Manufacturer)
A mid-19th century typing accessory in steel with putty colored paint.
9" x 7" x 4 3/4"
I picked this copy holder up at a thrift store in early 2025 for about $2. Along with a binder clip or some small magnets, it’s great for transcribing notes using one of my typewriters.
Acquired File Tab 3 Inch Punch (McGill Incorporated)
A punch for making file tabs of 2 1/4" x 3/4"
P/N 68500
I had been considering getting a custom punch made several times, but never looked to see if one already existed commercially. Today, while doing a 5 minute peruse of the thrift store, there it was!

When you use as many tabbed index card dividers as I do, this can be incredibly useful. It’s just the right size for doing 1/3 cut tabs on 4″ x 6″ index cards.

Acquired at Acts Thrift Store on October 7, 2025 for $2.50.

Oblique angle on a black plastic punch body and a white button on top.