GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Shoppers began packing the stores as holiday shopping started on Black Friday.

• Police say they are ready for any situation 
• North Carolina is ranked as one of the top five dangerous states for shopping on Black Friday
• Shoppers say having patience is key

The season of sales means big crowds for stores. North Carolina is the fourth most at risk state for Black Friday shopping violence, according to a study by reviews.org.

Police said they are ready for any incident.

"We're always prepared. We're training for things of that nature. We have officers on duty, we have extra officers in shopping centers and if anything happens, we'll respond appropriately," Cpl. Dale Counts with the Greensboro Police Department said. 

He says officers are also helping with increased traffic.

"There's a lot of plans behind scenes to funnel people in and out in a safe manner. As long as everyone remains patient, doesn't get over excited and respects everyone around them, everything should be fine," Counts said. 

All shoppers say patience is key to surviving holiday shopping. 

To view the full study, click here.