What You Should Do If You Hear “Code Brown” at Walmart

Code Brown Indicates a Potential Safety Risk
In 1962, Sam Walton established the first Walmart, and countless more have subsequently appeared. With 4622 sites in the US alone, it’s the largest employer in the country and among the busiest retailers. It’s common to hear statements over the intercom, such as requests for more cashiers, given the volume of people entering and exiting. Some announcements, meanwhile, seem to be more worrying than others. Walmart staff members use code brown to alert the public to potentially dangerous situations. To be more precise, “an act of violence.”

The details were verified by multiple sources, including a current Walmart employee, and originated from a Reddit thread. Even though risky interactions with strangers are uncommon, occasionally someone will lose their cool. As a result, it’s wise to be ready for anything and to know what to do in the event of a code brown.

Taking Action in Response to a Threat
The procedure for informing other staff members of the incidents is known as “code brown.” It alludes to a violent scenario, raising a number of possible safety issues. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk of getting hurt or worse, even if people can be unexpected. Keep in mind to remain composed above anything else. That can be difficult for a lot of people because it goes against their natural tendency to either run away from danger or try to face it head-on. In any case, this may prompt hurried actions from others. putting others and yourself in greater danger. Avoid trying to flee, starting to yell, and attracting attention to yourself or those nearby.

Staff members are trained to remain alert of their surroundings and shut doors to safeguard customers, other staff members, and themselves while hiding in back rooms in the unlikely but very plausible event of an active shooter. Furthermore, never approach them, try to alleviate the situation, or attempt to calm them down. Only professionals with the necessary training should attempt anything similar. Here’s a safety film that offers guidance on what to do if someone is forcefully approaching you or is really close.

Vibrants Apart from Code Brown
Interestingly, Walmart doesn’t limit its use of code brown. Code red indicates a fire, and hospitals fall under this category as well. Orange, on the other hand, denotes a chemical spill. A weather alert of black is issued. White just indicates that there has been an incident in the store. Finally, in Walmart’s instance, green denotes a “hostage situation” while blue “signals a bomb threat.”

Fortunately, these situations are rare, although it’s always a good idea to be prepared. In contrast, Walmart has codes that aren’t even colors. For instance, a “Code Adam” refers to a possible missing child and was created by Walmart in 1994. The result of an incident some years prior, in which a 6-year-old boy named Adam was abducted from a Sears in Florida. Meanwhile, the short and simple “Code C” just refers to customer service.

While it’s good to know what to do while in a store a with a possible violent person, a “Code Brown”, it’s equally important to know how to protect yourself in the event that your find yourself in the crossfire or unable to avoid crossing paths with the attacker. To defend yourself, focus on vulnerable areas of your attacker, and remember that anything sharp or hard could be used as a method of safety including your keys.

While many hope to live in a world without violence and danger, that’s simply not realistic. However, knowing what “Code Brown” and others mean, you’ll minimize the risks of being victim to someone else’s violent outbursts.