Given the weather patterns in our area, most Rochesterians are prepared for an emergency such as an ice storm or power outage, but what about your legal and financial documents? Do you know what documents you should have on file? Are they updated and organized? Do you and your loved ones know where they are kept? If you are like most people, you answered "no" to one or more of these questions.

Get your house in order by updating and organizing these vital documents in a fireproof and waterproof safe:

Personal: Birth certificates, adoption papers, copy of driver's license, passports, marriage license, military papers, death certificates.

Legal: Wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, trust documents, employment contracts.

Medical: Current lists of prescription drugs, organ donor cards, doctor and insurance information.

Property: Deeds, titles and insurance policies for home, autos, recreational vehicles, inventory of house, appraisals, back-up of computer files, lists of important passwords.

Financial: Life insurance, disability, long-term care, stock/bond certificates, investment accounts, tax records, cost basis information, copies of credit cards and toll-free phone numbers.

True peace of mind is hard to quantify, but just think how great it would feel knowing you have taken necessary measures to protect yourself and your loved ones. Alternatively, think about how devastated you would be if you chose to ignore such a simple chore.

Susan C. Schneider is a representative of Colgan Capital, a private wealth management firm in Pittsford. She can be reached at (585) 419-2272 or www.colgancapital.com

This column is written by members of the Rochester Women's Network, whose focus is to help women connect, grow and succeed. For more information, go to www.rwn.org.