Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the Caribbean and the Southeast who has been impacted by Hurricane Matthew. If you have felt the effects of this Category 3 storm’s winds, rain, and flooding, check out the critical tips below to assist with recovery once the storm passes.
If you have water-damaged computers, drives, or devices, follow these DO’s and DON’Ts:
– DO leave the device “as is.” Do not attempt to clean off excess dirt or debris that may have been inflicted by a flood. Attempting to remove debris from drives and media can cause greater damage to the electronic components of the device.
– DON’T try to dry the water-damaged device. They may come as first instinct, but doing so can also decrease chances of data recovery.
– DO the water-damaged device in a bag to help it retain moisture from water submersion. An unused sponge will help prevent further damage. As moisture levels go down, corrosion levels and damages can go up. (Imagine the dried salt crust left behind by saltwater).
– DON’T try and power the device on. If there is water covering any of the electrical components or internal parts of a device, you can ruin your chance of recovery.
– DO mark any containers holding damaged items so that additional precautions will be taken by anyone handling the device.
– DON’T hesitate to ask for help. At CMIT Solutions, we have the right tools and proper knowledge to properly evaluate the chances of data recovery.
If you’re located anywhere near the path of Hurricane Matthew, remain safe and take every precaution. Once the storm passes and you begin to assess damage, if you have any issues related to technology, contact CMIT Solutions. We have extensive experience helping businesses recover from natural disasters, and we are here to help.