It makes the job of recovery a lot easier if the nerd knows what caused the problem in the first place.
Bribes are good.
When a nerd comes to help, have a fresh cup of coffee or favorite soda waiting. It costs next to nothing, but shows that you care. Be willing and even eager to use your area of expertise to help out the nerd. Absolutely nothing will make a nerd more willing to help than knowing that you have a recent backup. First, it lets them try things that they would be leery of without a backup, plus it lets them know that you care enough to do your part.