Power's Back

Whether the power was off here for six or eight hours, my primary concern had been the perishable stuff in the refrigerator. All appears to be well. The fish I defrosted for dinner tonight still felt cold so I cooked it and now several hours later I appear to remain intact.
Apparently for the length of time the power went missing there was little danger of spoilage.
This from the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service:

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. Obtain dry or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic foot full freezer for 2 days. Plan ahead and know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased.

While I didn't go out and buy dry ice, I did have a couple of those large blue ice things frozen and ready to go. I was at work all day so unless the family cats yearned for raw, frozen fish there was little danger of someone's opening the door to either the refrigerator or freezer.

Also on the USDA's website I found this amazing advice:
Never taste food to determine its safety.

You see? Our government really does look after us.