This is the one situation you hope and pray never happens in our part of Missouri and Illinois. It's not uncommon to hear codes announced over an intercom while shopping in a store, but the one you never want to hear is 'code brown' and this is why.

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As I have shared previously, there are a number of emergency codes that are common in Missouri Walmart stores. This is the one you never want to hear if you're in the middle of a shopping trip in Illinois.

What are the codes you should pay attention to if you're in a Walmart in Illinois?

Common Cents Mom lists many codes Walmart uses to alert associates and sometimes customers to a situation. Here are the most important ones to pay attention to especially during the holiday season in Illinois.

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What does code brown mean in a store?
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Something very important to note about a 'code brown' warning. That does not mean you necessarily should flee the store. If you are ever unfortunate enough to be in a store during a 'code brown', you need to listen for directions from store associates or the intercom. If you try to run from the store, you might be running directly into the active shooter area and jeopardizing your life. That's really the vital thing to understand about any emergency code you hear in a store. The management will direct you to the safest course of action. Panic is your worst enemy in a crisis.

That's one reason I share these codes now so you can have an understanding of what they are prior to ever being in a store when one happens. Having a clear mind could save your life and the lives of others.

Now, let's hope that none of us are ever present for an emergency like this that sadly seems to be more common in the world we live in.

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Gallery Credit: National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Missouri Highway Patrol

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