A: Hi, Tim. You're right -- you are some of the lucky ones. Like many people, I was saddened by the images of houses being washed away during the recent floods. Count your blessings and yes, I have seen carpet professionals save many wet rugs as long as they were called in quickly and it was not waste water from sewers lines that flooded your basement.

The first step is for the cleaning company to suck up all the water with professional power wet vacuums. Then, corners of the carpet are lifted and low-profile air handlers will be set in place to vent under the carpet. Also, dehumidifiers need to be set up to dry the air in the basement and any doors or windows opened to promote ventilation.

Once dry, a good carpet shampoo can make the rug as good as new and your wet basement problems will be water under the bridge.