I have a basement and about once or twice a year it floods. A couple years ago I bought one of those big air blowers that you see in hotels and such. It's saved me BIG TIME! Since I have actually bought one more that's a little better (it has a handle, okay I'm lazy...)

I used to have to rip up the carpet, dry it all out, paying some guy to come over with one of those big blowers. Now I just hurry and get the air mover going on it and I haven't had to tear up carpet and there is no mold or stink!

I bought the Windsor Airmover a couple years ago and just bought the Windsor Windhandler cause it has a handle and wheels. Both "blow" the same, but the Windhandler's easier to move around. I'm sure they're available elsewhere, but I found mine at http://uclean.com/catalog/subcategory/equipment/air_blowers-1.html

Hope this tip helps! It has saved me LOTS of money and headaches.