Cooperstown, N.Y. - Dr. Mark Winther, Chief of Emergency and Trauma Services at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, says the emergency department at Bassett is fully staffed and ready for a possible influx of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.

Dr. Winther says with people waiting for hours out in this oppressive heat for today's Hall of Fame INduction Weekend Parade of Champions, he expects to see some people overcome by the conditions, "We have the emergency department which we staffed up there, we also have an urgent care that is after hours so we stepped up that as well in preparation.”

Dr. Winther says there are some precautions so you can help make sure you do not suffer from heat-related illnesses, “Shade is quite important and when you’re out in the heat it’s going to be challenging. Loose clothing is important, hydration is important, hats and sometimes even shade like umbrellas.”

Dr. Winther says you should be looking out for signs you may be suffering from the heat, "The most common sign would be fatigue and headache and then warm skin." He says most people will suffer from heat exhaustion, but some have escalated conditions that lead to heat stroke, "Heat exhaustion is relatively benign. It’s something with hydration and cooling you’ll do well. Heat stroke, that could be potentially deadly and that is something that we have to be very aggressive in cooling."

Dr. Winther do not take this heat lightly, it is very dangerous, and if you have an infant, keep them at home as these conditions are especially dangerous for them and also keep an eye on any seniors that you are attending this weekend's festivities with, as they too are very vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.