Color codes are a great way to identify a problem or need universally. For example, most people know that code red signifies an emergency. Meanwhile, Code blue is used by emergency personnel when they need to resuscitate someone. Even Walmart uses a color code, and knowing what the code brown means might help you better gauge how to handle a possibly dangerous situation.
Code Brown Equates to a Safety Concern
Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in 1962; since then, thousands of stores have opened their doors. It’s America’s biggest employer, with 4622 locations in the US alone, making it one of the nation’s busiest stores. With so many people coming and going, it’s not unusual to hear requests for more cashiers or other announcements over the intercom. However, some announcements are seemingly more concerning than others. Code brown is what Walmart employees use to announce a potentially threatening situation. More specifically, “an act of violence.”
The information came from a Reddit thread and was confirmed by other sources, including a current Walmart employee. Although dangerous encounters with random people are rare, there are instances in which some people snap unexpectedly. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to at least be prepared and know the best things to do in the case of a code brown.
Responding to a Threat
Code brown is the protocol for alerting other staff members of the events. Because it references a violent situation there are numerous potential safety concerns. Fortunately, although people can be unpredictable, there are some things you can do to minimize your risk of injury or worse. Most importantly, remember to stay calm. For many people, that can be tough because of the natural instinct to either run from danger or attempt to tackle it head-on. Either way, this can cause others to act hastily. Further endangering yourself and others. Do not try to run away, begin to shout, or draw attention to yourself and others around you.
In the rare, but still very possible, instance of an active shooter, staff members are instructed to be aware of their surroundings and lock doors to protect themselves, other staff members, and customers, while hidden in back rooms. Additionally, never try to calm them down, confront them, or make an effort to diffuse the situation. The only people who should be attempting anything like that are trained professionals. Below is a safety video with some advice explaining how to react and respond to someone violently approaching or within a close proximity.
Colors Other than Code Brown
Fascinatingly, Walmart doesn’t just use code brown. Code red refers to a fire, which is true of hospitals as well. Meanwhile, orange refers to a chemical spill. Black is a weather warning. White just means an accident has happened in the store. Lastly, blue in Walmart’s case “signals a bomb threat, while green means a “hostage situation“.
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.