DOWNLOAD OUR DRYING & COOLING AT HURRICANE DAMAGED APARTMENT COMPLEX IN GEORGIA CASE STUDY
Drying, Cooling & Temporary Power for a Hurricane-Damaged Apartment Complex in Georgia
When Category 4 Hurricane Helene made landfall and tore inland through the Florida panhandle into Georgia, it left widespread destruction in its path. Among the damaged structures was a historic apartment complex in Northern Georgia, recently renovated and preparing for new residents.
The onsite restoration crew knew they needed more (a lot more) equipment and reached out to Garrett McKenzie. Within hours, the GM team was on the move — providing temporary power rentals, desiccant dehumidifiers, and emergency cooling equipment to stabilize and save the landmark property.
The Situation
As Hurricane Helene maintained hurricane-force winds inland, it caused extensive water and structural damage across Northern Georgia. A newly restored apartment complex known locally for its antique wood roofing and historical architecture sustained severe water damage. The local restoration team needed immediate help to prevent further damage and called on Garrett McKenzie for large-scale drying and cooling equipment rentals to get the project under control.
The Response
Already mobilized on hurricane recovery projects in Florida, the Garrett McKenzie disaster-response team dispatched technicians and vehicles north to Georgia.
Our crew coordinated logistics, site evaluation, and equipment sizing to ensure the affected apartments received the right combination of temporary power, dehumidification, and cooling.
Equipment supplied included:
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14 × 5,000 CFM desiccant dehumidifiers
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1 × 70 ton DX unit, 1 × 60 ton DX unit
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4 × 40 ton AC units and 5 × 25 ton AC units
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1 × 2 MW generator and 2 × 500 kW generators
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Power distribution panels, transformers, and 5+ miles of cable
This combination of drying and cooling capacity allowed the restoration team to maintain optimal temperature and humidity across multiple units while preserving the building’s historical woodwork.
The Execution
A mix of Garrett McKenzie trucks and third-party haulers transported equipment to the site, where technicians worked to position dehumidifiers, AC units, and cabling for maximum coverage.
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Over 3 megawatts of temporary power were deployed.
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More than 80,000 CFM of dehumidification and 415 tons of cooling supported the restoration.
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Nearly 10,000 feet of lay-flat ducting and 3,500 feet of flex duct directed airflow into individual units.
By integrating power, drying, and cooling systems, our technicians helped stabilize conditions and accelerate the drying process across the property’s multiple buildings and entryways.
The Result
Four weeks after Hurricane Helene struck, the apartment complex was dry, stabilized, and preserved. The antique woodwork and structure were saved from further moisture damage, allowing restoration crews to complete repairs and prepare for re-occupancy.
The project stands as another example of how Garrett McKenzie’s rapid response and turnkey rental power solutions help communities recover from natural disasters — delivering critical support when every hour counts.
Job Site Challenges
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Large, multi-building property footprint
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Limited entry and setup space
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Urgent timeline for drying and preservation
Why Choose Garrett McKenzie
At Garrett McKenzie, we specialize in restoration equipment rentals and disaster recovery support for large-loss projects across the U.S. Our fleet includes generators up to 2,000kW, industrial dehumidifiers, DX and chiller cooling systems, and portable fuel tanks — all backed by 24/7/365 emergency response and nationwide deployment.
Whether it’s a hurricane, flood, or large-scale water damage event, our experienced technicians and transport-ready fleet deliver the power, climate control, and expertise you need to get back up and running.
Ready to Keep Your Projects Dry, Powered and on Track?
When your next restoration project requires emergency dehumidification, power, distribution and 24/7 service, trust Garrett McKenzie to deliver for you.
+1.877.469.1600