As it often is near Halloween in Wyoming, the weather outside is frightful. But that doesn't mean your little goblins and ghouls, as well as adults, can't enjoy the holiday if they follow some common sense safety guidelines.

Obviously, bundle up. Many children's Halloween costumes are rather flimsy, so you need plenty of warm clothing underneath. And even though a coat may cover up that Batman cape or angel wings, wear it anyway. The people with the treats will still know who you are. Hats and scarves, meanwhile, should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.

Whether it's snowing or not, motorists need to pay especially close attention on Halloween night for children darting out from between parked cars or walking in roadways, medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

Parents should be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are with them.

There are many things parents can do to help make sure their kids can be seen by drivers and ensure their overall safety. The following tips were compiled from the National Safety Council, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, InjuryBoard.com and Halloween Online.

Help your child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make it fire proof. The eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision.

For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Children should carry flashlights or glow sticks.

If your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe or butcher knife, there are no extra points for authenticity. Make sure the tips are smooth and flexible enough not to cause injury if fallen upon.

Young children should always be accompanied by adults or older, responsible children. If you aren't going with the kids, know in advance the route they will be taking, and set a time for their return home.

Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.

Food safety is also important. To help prevent children from snacking while they're out, before parents have inspected the treats, give them a snack or light meal before they go.

Discard any homemade candy or baked goods. Wash fruit and slice it into small pieces. Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers.

When in doubt, throw it out.

Leaving your pets outside on Halloween is not a good idea. Malicious people could tease, injure, steal, torture and even kill people's pets on Halloween.

As much as your dog or cat may beg for some of your Halloween candy, always remember that chocolate is deadly to them. Wrappers, such as tin foil, can get stuck in your pets' digestive tract and make them ill or cause death. There are plenty of recipes for making homemade dog and cat treats.

If you are going to dress your pet in a costume, keep in mind that unless the dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing it discomfort and stress.

To all people and pets, have a safe and happy Halloween.