My ipod got wet and I can't shut it off

I'm drying out my iPod, which got exposed to water (not completely submerged) about 3 hours ago. Don't even ask—it's a long stupid story involving an impossible line at the DMV in midtown NYC and a water bottle that wasn't as secure as it should have been.

The problem is, I can't shut the device off at this point... and everything I've read online suggests that it should be shut off prior to the drying out process to avoid permanent damage. I've already seen a big red X with a "contact support" alert come up on the screen. Is there anything else I can do or simply wait for it to dry enough to power it down?

Thanks.