Ballistic Shield for Schools – Fulfilling the requirements of Texas HB 33 (Uvalde Strong Act)
With multiple, price points, and companies to choose from on a September 1st deadline, fulfilling the ballistic shield requirement of Texas HB 33 may seem a bit daunting. Hardwire is here to help school security directors and other decision-makers understand the nuances around purchasing ballistic products and why the Emergency Response Shield is the most effective solution for fulfilling the Texas HB 33 ballistic shield requirement.
What level of protection is needed for school ballistic shields?
For reference, here is a general outline of protection levels you may see while exploring shield options.
· Level 3A – Stops shotguns and handguns
· Level 3 – Stops shotguns, handguns, and some rifle rounds
· Level 3+ - This is not a standardized protection level, but the plus (+) sign signifies that the product tested exceeds the stopping power of Level 3. When purchasing a shield, make sure to check what the shield is tested to stop. Hardwire lists Level 3+ for the Emergency Response Shield to signify that it stops special threats including the 5.56x45mm M855 “Green Tip” steel penetrator tip ammunition. But other companies may use this Level 3+ signifier to pertain to other special threats, not including this round.
What sets the Hardwire Emergency Response Shield apart?
The Hardwire ERS was designed specifically for school and public facilities to act as a gun-fire extinguisher, red in color, wall mountable, and easy to spot in an emergency situation. Hardwire recommends mounting the ERS near other emergency tools like fire extinguishers, AEDs, and Stop-The-Bleed kits. Developed and deployed post Sandy Hook, these shields have been in U.S. schools for over a decade.
· Tested to stop 5.56x45mm M855 “Green Tip” steel penetrator tip ammunition
· DHS-Designated under the SAFETY Act as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology
· Made in the USA by a trusted and active defense contractor
· Affordable pricing at only $299 per shield
Who is Hardwire?
Hardwire, LLC is a defense contractor located in Pocomoke City, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. For 22 years, we have been supplying ballistic body armor, vehicle armor, tactical shields, and other ballistic products to government agencies, including the Army, Marines, FBI, DEA, Marshals, SOCOM, law enforcement agencies across the country, and more. To learn more about Hardwire’s contracts, visit our Newsroom for articles or our News Coverage Page for interviews and press coverage.
What benefit does the DHS-Designation offer with the Emergency Response Shield?
Hardwire’s Emergency Response Shield is Designated as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology by the Department of Homeland Security. This designation not only validates the effectives of the Emergency Response Shield, but also provides liability protections that extend to buyers and users. As part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Congress enacted the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act) of 2002. The SAFETY Act provides incentives for the development and deployment of anti-terrorism technologies by creating systems of risk and litigation management. More information is available at https://www.safetyact.gov.
In summary, be vigilant about where your school shields are sourced, what they actually stop, and that they have been tested to meet and exceed the NIJ standard of Level 3 to include the 5.56x45mm M855 “Green Tip” steel penetrator tip ammunition.
At Hardwire, we are a business made up of families. Our family cares about the safety and well-being of yours. So, whether you choose the Hardwire Emergency Response Shield to fill your Texas HB 33 requirement or another vendor, remember to vet the product properly and ensure that the shield you choose will be able to keep your students and community safe.
Contact Hardwire for more information on the Emergency Response Shield for filling the Texas HB 33 requirement by calling our office at (410) 957- 3669 or messaging us via our Contact Page.