Jing Garcia, Tech Times editor

We saw the pictures, we watched the videos. Many of us, particularly here in Metro Manila, experienced it: the devastation brought about by typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana). In one instance, international news reports said that the entire metro was 80 percent flooded. The people, their loved ones, their property: all underwater. It was an unfortunate and unforgettable incident indeed.

At this moment, the least I could do is try to give tips for people who have been asking me questions on what to do with their water-soaked gadgets and gizmos. I know these gadgets are not cheap. Some if not most, are not fully-paid even (you should try to talk to your credit card issuers about that). The worst part is, most I believe, are not even insured or covered by flood insurance (yes, like all those cars that went under).

What happened last September 26-27 was not as simple as it may seem. Your gadget did not simply fall in a swimming pool, a wine glass or, god forbid, a public toilet bowl. Your entire property was ravaged by floodwaters accompanied by mud and sewer. Luck may still be on your side if you were able to find your precious items under the wreckage. So, what do you do?

First, never, as in NEVER EVER, turn the power on. Doing so will only short-circuit the unit and damage the device further. The best way is to remove the source of power – e.g. battery (phones, mp3 players, digicam etc.) If the power supply/battery is built-in, you can’t do much about it. Now, if it’s electrical (TV, PC, stereo etc), DON’T even try plugging it in or risk some fireworks. Although this is the proper step to save your techie stuff, it is not a guarantee that these devices will still work.

Second, wipe off all the liquid, sludge, grime or what not that are visible. Then, gently shake all the excess water that you could get out of the device.

There is a bit of hope for battery-powered devices or gadgets that use low electrical charges. However, even a bit of moisture can damage the sensitive circuits of these little machines, what more a bucket of water. As for the electrical appliances, those you plug into an electric outlet, there is little hope.

You just have to accept the fact, and I’m sorry to say, that 90 percent of electronics submerged underwater will never work at all, unless of course they're waterproof. Even if you spend (and I’m sure, you’ll be spending a lot) to change the damaged or wet components, the electronic device will definitely have a shorter working life, and heaven forbid be prone to future short-circuits and accidents, including fire or possible electrocution to the user.

Now, for those gadgets, gizmos, that can still be saved, here are some links for your reference (although mostly about wet mobile phones, these tips may also work with other low-power charge devices; also, I believe the rice trick):

http://video.about.com/cellphones/Revive-Waterlogged-Cell-Phone.htm

http://video.about.com/cellphones/Revive-Waterlogged-Cell-Phone.htm

http://www.techbuzz.in/how-to-recover-cell-phone-mobile-soaked-in-water-by-drying-it-in-microwave-oven.php

http://www.pcdoctor-guide.com/wordpress/?p=4360

http://www.geeks.co.uk/5153-how-to-cure-a-wet-gadget

The guides listed above are not guaranteed remedy to revive your wet gadgets. At least you could try, especially those that can be salvaged. However, if you’re not sure about doing a first-aid on your devices, the only way is to go to a professional electronics service center and get a price quote first for the complete repair, then ask your device’s survival rate – how long would your toy last after getting fixed. If it’s not worth saving the thing, better get a new one. As always, remember to get what you need and not what you want, this way you’ll be spending less in the long run.