It’s a shame because, “The first 72 are up to you,” was such a catchy phrase.

The slogan — used for years by Collier County and emergency managers elsewhere to remind people that they should have a three-day supply of food, water and other necessities on hand as a hurricane approaches — is being nudged aside, a victim of Hurricane Irma.

Now, official emergency declarations call for residents to be self-sufficient for longer periods.

In a statement last Wednesday, Collier’s Emergency Management Division wrote, “It’s also essential that your family be ready before a storm approaches, and that you have a Four-Day Survival Kit prepared.”

See also:Southwest Florida readies for Hurricane Dorian with Irma's impact in mind

Some sources reference a three- to five-day stock of supplies.

“The disaster supply kit checklist provided by the Florida Department of Emergency Management recommends having supplies sufficient for seven days,” noted Collier County spokeswoman Margie Hapke.

“Because of lengthy power outages and other lasting impacts after Irma, Collier County Emergency Management Director Dan Summers asked earlier this month that we convey to the public the need to be prepared with supplies for a minimum of four days for each person. In our eyes, more is better,” Hapke said.  

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Some material on the county’s website still references the three-day supply and the old standby, “The first 72 are up to you,” but Hapke urges residents to heed the new advice. “The longer you can be self-sufficient the more comfortable you’re going to be,” she added.

The use of the phrase, and its variant, “First 72 on You,” dates back to around 2007, when emergency managers agreed three days was a reasonable time for systems to get back up and running, emergency supplies to arrive and relief agencies to set up shop after a hurricane or other disaster.

Hurricane Dorian marks the first time the longer period of self-sufficiency has been advocated in advance of potential disaster.

Given the experiences of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Michael in 2018, it seems unlikely Florida emergency managers will be going back to the three-day standard anytime soon.

Once Dorian passes and we’ve had time to catch our breath, we’ll need to come up with a new slogan to drive home the importance of being prepared.

Some ideas to get us started:

“The first 96, or else you’ll be in a fix.”

“Plan on four, and maybe a couple more.”

“A five-day supply will keep you high and dry.”

“Don’t be a geek, have enough stuff for a week.”

A list of what makes up a good emergency survival kit can be found on the county’s website, colliercountyfl.gov.

Even if Southwest Florida is spared the worst of Hurricane Dorian, it’s still a good idea to review the checklist and keep the recommended supplies on hand throughout hurricane season.

Remember, the first however many hours are up to you.

Connect with Brent Batten at brent.batten@naplesnews.com, on Twitter @NDN_BrentBatten and at facebook.com/ndnbrentbatten.