How to Protect Your Data Devices from the Summer Heat and Water

Summer is the best time to hit the beach. It’s that time of year when we plan our final getaways and family vacations. While you’re rejuvenating by the pool or taking the family on a day trip, be sure to be kind to your data devices. File storage devices of any kind need protection from extreme weather just as much as you do. Click for professional data recovery service if something goes wrong.

Protect your data devices from summer heat

Sun Fatigue Isn’t Just For Humans.

Summer heat can be a huge problem for electronic devices. It can cause drive failures and even data loss due to overheating. When it comes to stationary devices, such as servers and computers, ensure they have adequate air conditioning. As processor speeds increase, so do power requirements, which in turn require better cooling—particularly during the hot summer months.

Portable devices face even more peril during the summer. The last thing you want to do is place your cell phone on your car dashboard under the sun and go shopping for two hours. Those brutal rays that leave you with unpleasant sunburn can give your cell phone a burn like nothing else. If the device exceeds recommended heat variances, it’ll be fried—literally. Keep an eye on these recommendations. For example, Apple suggests that to avoid unwanted damage to iPhones, prevent temperatures from exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit or dropping below 32 degree Fahrenheit.

Be Wary Of Water.

It’s no secret that electronics and water just don’t get along without a chaperone. However, there is a silver lining. Today, many storage drives and electronic devices come in waterproof versions. Yes, this includes waterproof cell phones. Use them! Waterproof devices make accidental dunks in the pool or ocean a little less worrisome. The new Samsung Galaxy S5 is a good example of a waterproof phone, if a device isn’t properly waterproofed, water can be deadly. Cell phones and tablets have multiple access openings that are susceptible to water damage. A quick dip into the water is all it takes for your device or smartphone to short circuit or stop working entirely.

Responding To Heat or Water Damage.

If your device suffers heat or water damage, it’s important to know how to best respond. An improper or panicked response can easily cause additional damage. Keep these guidelines in mind:

  • If the device is visibly damaged, do not attempt to operate it or charge it. Instead, store it in a safe place until a professional can assess the damage.
  • Avoid shaking, disassembling, or attempting to clean the inside of the device as improper handling can make the recovery operation more difficult and lead to valuable data loss.
  • Do not attempt to dry a water-damaged device by opening it, disassembling it, and/or exposing it to heat. A hairdryer will be much more harmful than helpful.
  • If the device has suffered physical damage, avoid attempting data retrieval on your own with data recovery software. These types of software are designed for a device that is fully functional mechanically.
  • Contact a trusted data recovery specialist quickly. Explain the damage that has occurred and the conditions surrounding the damage. The specialist will instruct you on how to best handle and deliver the device. Once they have completed a hands-on inspection, they will recommend the best data retrieval method.

Remember to never assume that a device is too damaged for successful data recovery. Believe it or not, waterproof devices that have malfunctioned after having water and sand pour from inside have still had retrievable information. The key is to avoid panic and contact an advanced data recovery company as quickly as possible.

Get out there and have fun this summer! Take precautions, and know that if the unthinkable happens, there are always data recovery options.