With the holidays right around the corner, everyone’s gearing up for wish lists, gift shopping, and snagging the best deals. But while we’re focused on finding the perfect presents, it’s easy to forget that the busy holiday season can also be the perfect time for those with bad intentions to cause chaos. Crowded stores, packed parking lots, and endless online orders make holiday shopping a prime target for scammers, thieves, and even potential emergencies.

When shopping in Louisiana this holiday season, you NEED to be prepared in case chaos happens. We are going to break down each CODE you are going to hear if something goes wrong. Including if you hear “CODE BROWN.”

Holiday shopping can be fun, but it’s also important to stay safe and smart. Here are some tips to make the most of your holiday shopping season:

• Keep an Eye on Your Belongings – With crowded stores, it’s easy for things like your phone, wallet, or shopping bags to get misplaced or even stolen. Keep bags close to you and make sure your valuables are secure.
• Shop Online Safely – Only buy from websites you trust. Check that the web address starts with “https” to make sure it’s secure. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, as they may be scams.
• Watch Out for Phishing Emails – Scammers often send fake emails pretending to be from popular stores or delivery services. Don’t click on links in emails if you’re unsure – go directly to the store’s website instead.

When you’re out shopping, you might hear announcements over the store’s intercom with strange phrases like “Code Red” or “Code Brown.” These are known as “store codes,” and they’re used to alert employees and sometimes even customers to certain emergencies or situations without causing panic. Knowing what some of these common store codes mean can help you stay safe, especially during busy shopping times.

Code Red

“Code Red” usually means there is a fire in the building. When this code is announced, employees may start guiding customers toward exits. If you hear “Code Red,” stay calm but be ready to leave the store quickly and follow any directions from the staff.

Code Orange

“Code Orange” is often used when there’s a chemical spill or a hazardous material in the store. This could be something like a cleaning chemical spill or another substance that might cause harm. If you hear this code, you may be asked to leave the area or even exit the store.

Code Black

“Code Black” is used to signal severe weather, like a tornado or a major storm that could put people in danger. If you hear this code, it may mean the store is taking shelter inside. Staff might direct you to a safer part of the store, away from windows and doors, until the weather threat has passed.

Code Adam

“Code Adam” is a code used when a child goes missing in a store. When this code is called, the store staff will start looking for the child and might even close the exits to make sure the child doesn’t leave the building. If you hear “Code Adam,” be alert and keep an eye out in case you can help spot the missing child.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HEAR “CODE BROWN?”

There are a few others, but what happens when you hear “CODE BROWN” over the speaker systems?

“Code Brown” is a store code that’s being talked about more in the news recently. It signals that an act of violence, like an active shooter, is happening inside the store.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, active shooter situations are often unpredictable and can escalate quickly. Usually, police or law enforcement must act fast to stop the situation and reduce harm to people in the area. Since these events can end within 10 to 15 minutes, often before the police arrive, people need to be mentally and physically prepared to react and protect themselves if they ever face an active shooter situation.

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