With snow, comes slippery roads and sidewalks, which also means the season of slips and falls.

Monday morning homeowners woke up to a fresh round of shoveling, and while many say it’s frustrating, firefighters say it’s necessary those paths clear both for pedestrian safety, and in case of an emergency.

Firefighters are prepared for the worst in a winter storm, with chains, shovels, sand and salt.

Last Wednesday Eau Claire fire crews spent the day helping paramedics, not as equipped to deal with the snow.

Lt. Tim Denziel says, “In the past we have had not only ourselves out there shoveling too, but some police offers have helped, even neighbors have come over.”

But Denziel says keeping those sidewalks as snow free as possible, could help save someone a trip to the emergency room, “Yea we have people slip and fall all the time, especially as it gets colder that's why it's so important people have their walkways cleared and shoveled.”

For some dutiful residents, the irritation bubbles up when a snowplow covers up an already cleared area.

But Eau Claire streets maintenance manager Mike Barnhardt says, not to worry, “That does happen, we'll go out and we'll take a look and see if that's a viable complaint if it is, I’ll have equipment go out there and blow snow off the sidewalk.”

But when the snow stops being fun, try and think like Eau Claire native Joan Anderson does. She says, “I know this'll pass and we'll have a beautiful spring and a wonderful summer, so I just kind of hibernate in the winter.”

Denziel advises senior citizens to watch out, he calls snow shoveling the ultimate stress test, if it's too much work for you, have a neighbor help you out or try hiring someone.

If you would like to make a formal complaint to the city of Eau Claire you can call the Public Works office at 839-4963.