What are duress codes?

• A. Temperature codes for facility zones.
• B. Word or words used in normal conversation to indicate duress; all personnel in restricted areas must know them.
• C. Visual signals only used by night.
• D. A list of emergency contact numbers.

Answer: (B)

Duress codes are discreet verbal signals embedded in normal conversation that indicate someone is under threat and needs help. The idea is for staff to recognize a specific word or phrase as a covert alert, triggering security or authorities to respond immediately without tipping off the person causing the danger. That makes them distinct from other codes or signals: temperature codes or facility zone indicators deal with environmental status or access control, not a distress signal; visual signals used at night are a different form of alert, often not as covert or universal; and a list of emergency contact numbers is about who to call, not how to signal for help in the moment. All personnel in restricted areas are trained to recognize these duress cues so help can arrive quickly and discreetly.