On April 11, 2010, a seven-alarm fire displaced hundreds of residents in Chinatown, Manhattan. Volunteers from one of New York City's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) joined the City's first responders to help secure the scene and assist residents. The local CERT, based in Manhattan District 3, served as interpreters and helped connect affected residents with City services.

"The CERT volunteers are from this community and their knowledge of the cultural issues and the local interests really helped the City provide for residents' needs," explained Christina Farrell, OEM's Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs.

Photos of CERT volunteers in action during the response to a seven-alarm fire on Grand St. in Manhattan.

*photos courtesy of Bill Strachan, Manhattan 3 CERT