Water in a finished basement does the most damage in the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, carpet pad, drywall and baseboards start to break down and mold can begin to grow.
First, stop the water. Shut off the main valve for a burst pipe or the supply to a leaking water heater. If water is near outlets or electrical equipment, turn off power to the basement at the panel before stepping in.
Second, take photos of the water, the source and the damaged belongings before anything is moved. If you plan to file an insurance claim, those photos matter.
Third, get the water out. Towels and a shop vac help with a small spill, but a soaked carpet needs a professional extractor to pull water out of the carpet and the pad underneath.
Fourth, dry it fully. Fans, a dehumidifier and open windows help. Colorado's dry air works in your favor, but wet drywall and pad still need attention.
Finally, repair what can't be saved. Swollen drywall, soaked pad and warped baseboards should come out and be replaced. With a background in house remodeling, Esteban at Anorve Services can take the job from extraction to repaired room. Call (303) 912-6005.