What Are My Responsibilities After Fire Damage in My Manhattan Property?

Experiencing a fire in your Manhattan home or business is overwhelming. While safety comes first, knowing your responsibilities after fire damage is crucial for a smooth recovery. From coordinating with emergency services and contacting your insurer to securing professional restoration, your actions in the hours and days after the fire will determine how quickly and safely your property can be restored.

At Restoration Doctor of NYC, we specialize in fire damage restoration in Manhattan and across New York City. In this post, we’ll break down your key responsibilities after a fire and how to protect your property, finances, and health during the recovery process.


🔥 1. Ensure Safety and Follow FDNY Guidance

Your first and most important responsibility is ensuring personal safety. Once the FDNY clears the scene and the fire is extinguished, follow their instructions regarding:

  • Reentry timelines

  • Structural safety concerns

  • Potential hotspots or lingering hazards

Do not reenter the property until it’s officially deemed safe. Many fires cause hidden damage to load-bearing walls, wiring, or gas lines.


📞 2. Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately

Your next responsibility is to contact your insurance provider to start the fire damage claim process. Be prepared to:

  • Share your policy number and details of the incident

  • Request a fire claim adjuster to assess the damage

  • Ask about temporary housing coverage or loss-of-use provisions

📌 Tip: Take photos and videos of the damage, but do not attempt cleanup before the insurance adjuster has documented the scene.

Need help with documentation or claim support?
➡️ Visit our Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration page to learn how we assist clients during the claims process.


🔐 3. Secure the Property

It is your responsibility as a property owner to prevent further damage or liability. That includes:

  • Boarding up broken windows and doors

  • Tarping roofs or open walls to prevent weather damage

  • Securing entry points to prevent trespassing or theft

At Restoration Doctor of NYC, we offer 24/7 board-up and emergency fire damage services throughout Manhattan to help protect your property immediately after a fire.


🧼 4. Begin Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration

Once the site is secured and cleared for access, your next responsibility is to begin the restoration process. Fire damage is more than just what you can see—there are soot particles, smoke odors, and water damage from firefighting efforts that must be professionally addressed.

Our services include:

  • Smoke and soot cleanup

  • Odor removal

  • Water extraction and drying

  • Structural cleaning and repair

  • Air purification and content restoration

Read more on our blog:
➡️ What to Expect During Water Cleanup and Repair in Manhattan


📋 5. Maintain Documentation for Legal and Insurance Purposes

Keep records of:

  • All communication with your insurance company

  • Estimates, receipts, and invoices for repairs

  • Photos/videos taken before and after cleanup

  • Any temporary housing or relocation expenses

This documentation is essential for reimbursement and may also be required by your building management or co-op board, especially in Manhattan apartment buildings or commercial spaces.


🧾 6. Comply with NYC Building and Housing Regulations

You may be required to:

  • File permits for structural repair

  • Arrange for DOB inspections before reoccupying the property

  • Notify your HOA or co-op board about restoration plans

  • Hire licensed contractors for rebuilds or electrical repairs

Working with a professional restoration company like ours helps ensure you’re in compliance with local fire codes and NYC restoration regulations.


🏙️ Why Choose Restoration Doctor of NYC After a Fire?

We’re a locally based, fully licensed, and IICRC-certified restoration company serving all of Manhattan, including:

  • SoHo

  • Upper East Side

  • Financial District

  • Harlem

  • Midtown

  • West Village and more

When fire damage strikes, we handle everything from emergency board-up to full property reconstruction.


Final Thoughts: Know Your Role, Let Us Handle the Rest

Recovering after a fire is stressful, but knowing your responsibilities—from contacting insurance to choosing the right restoration team—puts you in control of the process. At Restoration Doctor of NYC, we work side-by-side with property owners to simplify the journey from fire damage to full recovery.

📞 Contact us today for 24/7 fire damage restoration services in Manhattan and the five boroughs.