BRIDGEPORT, CT (August 30, 2011) – Mayor Bill Finch joined Governor Dannel P. Malloy to in viewing storm-ravaged areas of the City during the Governor’s stop in Bridgeport on Tuesday morning.

“We worked closely with Governor Malloy and his office as we prepared for Hurricane Irene and will continue to coordinate our recovery efforts with the State following the storm,” said Mayor Finch. “Our plan to elevate the evacuation of low-lying areas from a ‘recommendation’ to a ‘mandatory’ action could not have occurred without cooperation from Gov. Malloy. During my many visits to the affected neighborhoods after the storm, I’m very thankful that the Governor granted us the authority to make evacuations mandatory, which was essential to preventing any loss of life during this dangerous storm.”

During his morning tour in Bridgeport, Governor Malloy visited Seaside Park, which was severely damaged by Irene, and is currently closed to the public until further notice because of the unsafe conditions. He and Mayor Finch also stopped in nearby Seaside Village, where residents were clearing out flooded basements and yard debris with the help of City maintenance workers.

The storm, which hit at astronomical high tide on Sunday, left Seaside Park and much of the South End under several feet of water after dropping 6.5 inches of rain on the City.

Mayor Finch is asking all residents to call 203.576.1311 to report fallen trees, downed power lines, power outages and any non-emergencies related to the storm. The City’s Emergency Management Office asks that residents and business owners begin documenting storm related damage and reporting it to the Emergency Operations Center in advance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s assessment of storm damage. Residents or business owners should provide the following information as quickly as possible to the Emergency Operations Center: Name, address, contact information, damage and whether they are an owner or renter. Residents and business owners can call the EOC at 203.576.1311 or 203.579.3829 to report damages, or email eoc@bridgeportct.gov

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, there were approximately 5,600 households without power in the City as a result of the hurricane. The City is working closely with United Illuminating to determine the length of time residents will be without power. UI has called upon line crews from as far away as Florida to assist in power restoration efforts.