Is There Danger in a Store If You Hear “Code Brown?”

I don't know if you know it or not, but most retail stores have a code system to let employees know when something is up. It's especially true with the big stores, Target, Meijer, Walmart, etc.

It's a color code system of announcements to alert employees and maybe customers, that is if a customer is aware of the code system.

There is Red, White, Blue, Green, Orange, Black, Brown, and Adam!

Wait, Adam? That is not a color.

Right, Adam is not a color, but the website Common Cents Mom says it is very important word. If you hear Code Adam announced in a store, that means there is a lost child there. Not fun.

But what about the colors? If You hear a color paged in a Meijer, Target, Walmart or others, what do they mean?

Our sister station, US 103.3 in Bismarck, found out and it's important for all of us to be aware.

WHITE means there is an injury in the store.

BLACK means severe weather in the area. The store is likely the best place to be.

ORANGE means a chemical hazard of some sort and you likely want to leave ASAP.

The other color codes are much more serious! Us 103.3 reported:

GREEN typically means a hostage situation.  So, GET OUT.

RED is another GET OUT.  Although you have time to assess the situation.  It means there is a fire in the store.

BLUE is a BIG GET OUT.  A bomb threat has been called into the store.

and last, but certainly not least is.....

BROWN means acts of violence are occurring in the store.  You could even have an active shooter situation.  Again, GET OUT.

The announcements could be very subtle, and hopefully calmly announced, but being aware of them, and your surroundings could very well save your life and your family's life.