How should electronics be protected during salvage operations?

• A. Disconnect all power and remove electronics from the building
• B. Move or cover electronics with dry plastic sheeting, keep them elevated and away from water, and have electrical equipment inspected before use
• C. Leave electronics on the floor to dry out
• D. Ignore electronics and proceed with salvage

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to keep electronics safe from moisture during salvage and ensure they’re safe to use afterward. Water exposure can cause immediate short circuits and long-term damage from corrosion, which may lead to shock or fire if powered up later. Moving or covering electronics with dry plastic sheeting helps prevent water from soaking in, while keeping them elevated reduces contact with standing water and damp surfaces. Having electrical equipment inspected before use brings in a qualified check for insulation integrity, drying, and any hidden contamination or corrosion so it’s safe to energize again.

Other approaches fall short because they don’t adequately address moisture or the potential for unseen damage: simply disconnecting power and removing gear doesn’t resolve water exposure risks inside the devices; leaving electronics on the floor allows water to continue causing harm; and proceeding with salvage while ignoring the electronics risks serious safety hazards.