Michigan Shoppers, Leave & Call 911 Immediately If You Hear “Code Brown”

Have you ever been shopping at your favorite store in Michigan and heard code numbers or words over the intercom? It happens all of the time at stores in Michigan. Those code words, especially colors, mean something at retailers in Michigan and throughout the United States.

Public safety is at stake. Random violence, mass shootings and crime have made consumers more aware about their surroundings. I always sit so I can face the door at a restaurant, an office or wherever I can get a look at someone walking through the door. What about large retailers like Walmart? How do they communicate with their staff and customers. Read this and you'll be in the know.

What do color codes mean at U.S. retailers?

Common Cents Mom helped me with figuring out what the different color codes mean. Walmart is a massive retailer and we will look at their color coded intercom annoucements.

Code White

This code means an accident (such as an injury) or another type of incident has happened within the store.

Code Red 

This code means there is a fire of some type within the store. After the color is spoken, it’s usually followed by a number. This number refers to the aisle or part of the store where the fire has broken out.

Code Orange

This code pertains to a chemical spill in some location inside or outside. After the color has been spoken, the location of the chemical spill is also given. Employees who are free at the time of the announcement must help take care of the spill.

Code Black

This code comes about when there is dangerous and severe weather in the area.

Code Brown

When you hear this code, it means that there is a shooter on the premises. This indicates it’s time to head to an exit, if you can. If you’re not near an exit, make sure to follow employee instructions and remain calm.

Code Green

This code means that there is an active hostage situation taking place. If you can do it safely, call the police and request help. Remain as calm as possible and ensure you’re in a safe area of the store.

Code Blue

This code means that there is a potential bomb threat happening in the store.