What should I do if the device appears damaged or wet?¶

Make the scene safe, record the device and exposure, avoid casual power or drying attempts, and preserve every associated component for specialist recovery.

Safety controls the first action¶

Move people away and follow local procedures for swelling, heat, smoke, leakage or burning. Do not charge, power on, press controls, open covers or apply heat. Wet devices should not be placed in rice or household drying material, which introduces contamination without controlled preservation.

Preserve condition and recovery options¶

Photograph damage and packaging. Record where it was found, liquid type, submersion or exposure duration where known, and all actions. Keep cases, trays, cards, cables and loose components labelled and associated; do not clean residue or corrosion.

Failed screen, battery or board does not mean storage is unrecoverable. A device still powered despite damage needs urgent specialist advice because both continued operation and power loss carry risks. Its condition may later support or challenge an account of use or disposal.