Black Friday Shopping 911

Joining the holiday rush for deals? These tips will help you survive the crush.

You can find more details about parking, traffic and the shopping scene via our Twitter feed. Better yet, you can add your own reports -- just add the hashtag #flashop to your tweets.

Search for deals

Check online aggregators: findnsave.miamiherald.com, blackfridayads.com, 2011blackfridayads.com>, bfads.net.

Use your smartphone: Download apps that aggregate deals, such as Black Friday App, TGI Black Friday, Black Friday Deals & Coupons, Price Check by Amazon.

Scan those QR codes in stores: Some contain special promotions.

Be prepared

Parking will be atrocious; get a nonshopper to drop you off. Head first for items that could sell out quickly, like electronics. Wear comfy shoes and bring water. Be sure your smartphone is fully charged — and bring your car charger along.

This story was originally published November 22, 2011 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Black Friday Shopping 911."