If you hear code red at Walmart cover your nose and mouth and exit the store - it could save your life

If you're browsing the aisles of a Walmart and suddenly hear "code red" over the loudspeaker , it might be time to make a quick exit.

Knowing what these codes mean could save your life, and code is a very particular one.

Code red indicates that a fire has broken out in the store. The American Red Cross provides advice for what to do if you are somewhere a fire has broken out.

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It advises: "Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number."

It goes on: "If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Close doors behind you."

It's important to make sure you don't inhale any smoke, as smoke can damage the lungs. Cover your nose and mouth to try and avoid breathing smoke.

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Where do Walmart codes come from?

These codes likely have their roots in Code Adam, a child abduction prevention scheme launched by Walmart in 1994 across its US and Canadian outlets. The code is named in memory of Adam Walsh, a six year old lad who was tragically kidnapped from a Sears store in Hollywood, Florida , back in 1981.

The case of young Adam sent shockwaves through America, thrusting his father into the limelight as he went on to present Fox's America's Most Wanted. Code Adam has since become commonplace, with Walmart even running workshops to help other department stores put it into practice.

In a nutshell, Code Adam triggers a lockdown while staff carry out a thorough search for a lost child. It's now used in a variety of places, including theme parks, museums, and government buildings.

Walmart employs a host of other codes to ensure employees can react quickly to different situations without causing alarm or confusion among shoppers. These codes have proven so successful that many other retailers in Utah have taken them on board.

What do Walmart's codes mean?

Being clued up on the codes will help folks understand what staff are dealing with - and could even save your life. For starters, Code Spark indicates that the checkout area is chock-a-block, and all available cashiers are needed pronto.

Code A signifies a spill in the aisle that needs cleaning. Code B is used when staff are preparing to clear the store for a VIP customer.

Code C indicates that customer service is required somewhere within the store.

Walmart is considering significant changes to its self-checkout system.

Code White refers to an accident within the store, where someone may require assistance due to injury. Code Black is used during severe weather conditions such as tornado warnings, blizzards, flash floods, or earthquakes.

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Code Orange is employed for a chemical spill, indicating potentially hazardous materials may have been released within the store. Code Red signals a fire within the store.

Code Blue is used in the event of a bomb threat. This is a highly serious code, and it's vital to follow staff instructions.

Code Green indicates a hostage situation. Finally, Code Brown is used to signal an active shooter scenario.

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