Attention Arizona Shoppers! If You Hear Code Brown, Leave and Call 911

Have you ever been shopping at Walmart, when someone suddenly announced a cryptic code over the intercom? With the help of Common Cents Mom, we're decoding those messages for you.

Most of the announcements are informational and benign. They help store employees communicate everyday problems, like when a product spills or a customer is injured.

There are a few codes that signal dangerous situations. If you hear any of these emergency codes, here's what they mean, and what you should do.

Public Address Codes Used at Walmart

Walmart uses a lot of codes to communicate with other staff members through the intercom system. Most shoppers are familiar with Code Adam. This code was created in honor of Adam Walsh, a child who was abducted from a store in 1981.

If you hear Code Adam in the store, it means a child has been reported missing while shopping. This alerts store employees to monitor every entrance until the child is located.

There are also alpha codes, numeric codes, and color codes. Here's the list of color codes and what they mean.

Walmart Color Codes: Decoded

Retailers like Walmart often use color codes to communicate a threat in the store. Employees are trained on each color's significance. The color codes prepare staff without causing panic among shoppers.

The colors range from moderate to life-threatening, and help employees determine what to do depending on the threat.

Code White: This code indicates an accident has happened. It could be to an employee or to a customer.

Code Red: There's a fire of some type within the store. A number usually follows this code, which indicates an aisle number or a part of the store where the fire is located.

Code Orange: There's a chemical spill in the vicinity, either indoors or outside. Following the color, a location is given. Available employees are required to take care of the spill.

Code Black: This alerts staff of dangerous or severe weather in the area.

Code Brown: There is an active shooter on the premises. If you hear this code, be sure to head toward an exit as quickly and safely as possible, if you're able to. If you're not close to an exit, stay calm and follow employee instructions.

Code Green: This code indicates there is an active hostage situation happening in the store. If it's safe, call the police and ask for assistance. Try to stay calm.

Code Blue: There's a possible bomb threat happening in the store. You should exit the store as quickly as possible if it's safe.