Emergency Drying and Generator Rental Restores School in Milwaukee

When severe storms bring widespread flooding, schools are left racing against the clock to reopen before students return. After more than 10 inches of rain fell in a single day, an elementary school in Milwaukee, WI, suffered significant water damage just weeks before the start of the school year.

Working with restoration crews, Garrett McKenzie provided emergency drying and temporary power solutions that helped the school recover quickly and reopen on schedule.

The Situation

Following heavy rains that inundated the Milwaukee area, an elementary school building was left soaked and unusable. Restoration contractors on site quickly identified the need for large-scale desiccant dehumidification and dependable temporary power.

Challenges included:

• Widespread water damage across a large footprint and long hallways
• Equipment setup in dark conditions due to power loss
• Tight timelines with the school year just weeks away

The Response

Even as calls poured in from across the region, Garrett McKenzie mobilized quickly.

A 30-ton crane truck loaded with desiccant dehumidifiers arrived that afternoon, placing a 5,000 CFM DH unit on site.

Shortly after, another service vehicle delivered a 120kW generator, ducting, lay-flat, and other accessories needed to begin drying.

Our field team coordinated with restoration crews to direct airflow where it was needed most, installing ductwork and boarding entry points to optimize drying performance.

The Execution

With equipment staged and connected, drying operations began immediately. The generator powered the desiccant unit, while lay-flat ducting carried conditioned air throughout the building. Restoration crews assisted by identifying priority areas, ensuring the most water-damaged sections received attention first.

Thanks to seamless teamwork and rapid deployment, the school had a comprehensive drying and power solution in place within hours of the initial call.

The Result

In just two weeks, the building was fully dried, allowing restoration contractors to complete repairs and prepare classrooms for students.

By providing both power and drying solutions, Garrett McKenzie streamlined the recovery process, eliminating the need for multiple vendors and ensuring the school reopened on time.

This project underscores our expertise in large-loss restoration support — combining the right equipment, logistics, and field support to help communities recover when it matters most.

Why Restoration Contractors Choose Garrett McKenzie

• Temporary Power: Generators up to 2,000kW, distribution panels, transformers, ATS, and fuel tanks

• Climate Control: Desiccant & LGR dehumidifiers, AC cooling systems, heating units, DX heating

• Field Support: Site-specific equipment sizing, setup, breakdown, and experienced on-site technicians

• Logistics: Nationwide rapid deployment with crane trucks, rollback trucks, and service vehicles

• With 24/7/365 availability, a nationwide fleet, and specialized restoration expertise, Garrett McKenzie is the trusted partner for contractors and facility managers facing urgent recovery challenges.

Partner With Garrett McKenzie

When disaster strikes, count on Garrett McKenzie for emergency drying, temporary power, and rapid response solutions that keep schools and facilities on track.

📞 Call us today at 877-469-1600
📧 Email: rentals@garrettmckenzie.com
🌐 Visit: www.garrettmckenzie.com

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