If You Hear Code Brown At Walmart In Texas, Leave Immediately

When you're roaming around a store in Texas, typically you hear some kind of music playing as ambiance. Just as you're enjoying a song that's on the overhead speaker, it's interrupted by someone spitting out a random code or phrase.

It could be them reminding you something is on sale, it could be a code for employees in the store. Either way, you're just annoyed that the song you were enjoying has been cut off by this person getting on the intercom.

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Well, thanks to Common Cents Mom, we now know that we should be paying attention to those codes at Walmart here in Texas.

Each one of those codes that they give over the intercom can mean something not to just employees, but to you as well. They break it down into four different categories. When you hear colors, numbers, letters, or word codes, you want to pay attention. It's something that could in theory save your life.

I know that sounds a bit crazy, but you'll understand what I'm talking about here in just a few.

NUMBERS

When you hear a number, that's typically a time you can ignore. Those numbers are intended for employees, specifically the security team. It alerts other security members that they are either going on break or that they need to take a break.

That's important for the other employees to know because it tells them that a certain area of the store may be without security, or that a certain employee needs to take a break themselves. So if you hear "code 15", you can turn your attention away as it just means someone is going on break.

LETTERS

Here's another one that you don't typically need to pay attention to. When you hear something like "code A", it's intended for employees. It's giving them direction to take care of something within the store, such as a spill in an aisle.

I will say there is one letter you could listen out for because it might just land you a chance encounter with a celebrity. "Code B" is letting employees know to clear an area for a VIP customer or visitor. You never know who it could be, so hey, why not go take a look?

COLORS

Now it's time for us all to start paying attention. When I said some of these codes could save your life, I meant it. It's in the colors, and it will alert you to something before anyone else, giving you the chance to take action if needed.

CODE WHITE

When you hear "code white" come across the speakers, it means there's been some kind of injury within the store. I'd imagine it's typically followed up with where inside the store the injury has occurred, so if you're the nosy rosy type, you can go check it out.

CODE RED

Here's the first one that can get you out of harm's way. "Code Red" means that there is a fire somewhere in the store. This is indeed followed up by a number telling you where the fire is currently residing. Instead of going to check it out, this should be your cue to head out of the store or as far away from the fire as possible.

CODE ORANGE

This one isn't a life-threatening code unless you're a fan of tasting chemicals. "Code Orange" lets you and employees know that there has been some type of chemical spill in the store. This could be something like bleach which can be hazardous. Once the location is announced after the code, all available and free employees must report to the area to help block off and clean it.

CODE BLACK

It sounds like some kind of covert operation, but it's not. "Code Black" is telling you and everyone else in the store that there is either dangerous or severe weather in the area. Knowing this, you'll have the ability to decide to ride it out inside the Walmart, or check out and try to beat the storm home.

CODE BROWN

Seemingly everyone's least favorite color is one of the most important ones you need to know...because this one is potentially life-saving. "Code Brown" means there is an active shooter somewhere in the store, and you need to try and vacate immediately.

If you're near an exit, you want to calmly exit the store as soon as possible. If you're not near one, listen for employee instructions and follow them exactly.

CODE GREEN

While green is typically a bright color that makes people think sunny and warm thoughts, in Texas Walmarts it means there is an active hostage situation unfolding. If you hear this, and you can do it safely, move to a safe area of the store and contact the police to alert them of the situation.

CODE BLUE

Another one you don't want to hear is "Code Blue". While it's not AS fluid as an active shooter code, this one means there is a potential bomb threat happening inside the store. Yes, we hear about bogus bomb threats being made often, but if you hear the code, take it seriously.

I know for one I'll be listening a bit closer to the codes I hear when I'm shopping in Walmart. I usually paid them no mind thinking they didn't pertain to me, but if they can potentially save my life, it'll be something I pay closer attention to.