HARDWIRE INS-3003-A Emergency Response Shield Owner’s Manual
- June 1, 2024
- HARDWIRE
Table of Contents
HARDWIRE INS-3003-A Emergency Response Shield
Specifications
- Model: INS-3003-A
- Expiration Date: 04/2024
- Manufacturer: Hardwire, LLC
- Contact:support@hardwirellc.com | 410-957-3669
Product Usage Instructions
Step 1: Installation
- Share the installation video with your maintenance staff.
- Scan the QR Code provided to view the installation video for guidance.
Step 2: Prepare Response Team
- Meet with local first responders or law enforcement teams to familiarize them with the tools available.
- Ensure they understand the location of the shields and how to use them.
- Share Hardwire’s contact information for further assistance.
Step 3: Update Emergency Response Plan
- Update your emergency response plan by adding a map of your school with ERS locations labeled.
- Utilize toolkit resources available for emergency response planning.
Step 4: Train Staff
- Host annual teacher training assemblies to review the Emergency Response Shield protocol.
- Allow staff to practice removing the shield from the wall and review the directions for use.
- Share training videos, talking points, and FAQ resources with staff for more information.
Step 5: Inform Community
- Notify parents, students, and stakeholders about the installation of ERS throughout the school.
- Share talking points with parents to facilitate conversations with children about the purpose of the shields.
FAQ
Q: Where can I find more information about the Emergency Response Shield?
A: You can visit Hardwire’s website at Hardwire ERS FAQ for detailed information.
Q: How often should staff training on the Emergency Response Shield be conducted?
A: Staff training on the Emergency Response Shield should be conducted annually to ensure all staff members are familiar with the protocol and any updates.
- Your school just purchased the Hardwire’s Emergency Response Shield for active shooter protection.
- This is an important and effective step in increasing security and becoming more prepared to respond to an active shooter event.
- The next step is making sure your staff and students are well trained on how to use these tools to respond effectively.
Usage Instructions
Installation
Share the installation video with your maintenance staff.
Scan the QR Code to view the installation video >
STEP 2: Prepare Response Team
- Meet with local first responders or the law enforcement team that will respond to any incidents at your school. Communicate the available tools. Ensure they understand the location of the shields and how to use them.
- If they have any questions, please share Hardwire’s contact information and we can further assist them: Hardwire, LLC support@hardwirellc.com 410-957-3669 HARDWIRELLC.com
STEP 3: Update Emergency Response Plan
- Update your emergency response plan. Add a map of your school with the ERS locations labeled like the example below.
- You can also include the training video QR Code so staff has access if they would like to refresh their training!
- There are many toolkit resources available to help with emergency response plans:
- Planning & Preparation Toolkit: https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Planning-and-Preparation-Safe-And-Sound-Schools.pdf
- Standard Response Protocol : https://iloveuguys.org/standard-response-protocol/
STEP 4: Train Staff
- Host a teacher training assembly annually and share the protocol when new teachers arrive. Add an annual ERS training reminder to your calendar so each year all staff are refreshed on your school’s protocol and new staff receive the necessary training.
- Have your SRO, local officer, or administrator in charge of security for the school head of the teacher training assembly.
ASSEMBLY OBJECTIVES:
- Review the FAQ about the Emergency Response Shield.
- Let each person hold the shield and practice removing it from the wall.
- Review the directions for use: Grab. Position. Protect. Disable.
- Watch the training video and have a discussion.
- Discuss best practices for how to inform parents and students. Plan a student training if age appropriate.
- Send out a follow-up email to your staff with the following links and resources for more information.
HARDWIRE ERS RESOURCES
- Training video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyuU8-cYpqc
- Talking points: https://hardwirellc.com/pages/take-action
- ERS FAQ: https://hardwirellc.com/blogs/newsroom/hardwire-emergency-response-shield-faq
OTHER RESOURCES USED FOR ACTIVE SHOOTER RESPONSE
- Dept. Homeland Security “Run. Hide. Fight.” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0
- ALERRT’s “Avoid. Deny. Defend” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0It68YxLQQ
- Dept. Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Response Booklet: https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf
STEP 5: Inform Community
- Notify your community (parents, students, and other stakeholders) that the ERS has been installed throughout your school. Share talking points with parents so they can have conversations with their children about the purpose of the shields.
- Below is a sample email template to introduce the shield to the families of your students.
Dear Families of (School District),
- We’re focusing much of our time and attention on evaluating and updating safety and security measures on our campus. This focus has continued as we work to create a school environment that balances the need for security measures and our ability to provide an engaging space for learning.
- We would like to highlight one safety measure in particular. We are writing to inform you that as of (insert installation date) Hardwire Emergency Response Shields (ERS) have been installed in our school. While we hold a firm belief that our school is a truly safe place for our students, faculty, and staff. The addition of the ERS serves as a prevention and deterrent against active assailant events.
- These shields are hung in various locations throughout the school and are designed to aid law enforcement in the event they need to enter our buildings in an emergency.
- Our staff has also received training on how and when to use these shields.
- Finally, we encourage families to talk to students about this safety enhancement in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe.
- This upgrade is much like the addition of fire extinguishers and AEDs throughout the school, adding layers of protection for students, staff, and faculty to be used in the event of an emergency.
- This can be a delicate conversation, and parents know their children best, but open dialogue often helps ease the tension and anxiety of not understanding an emergency device.
- Below are some resources to assist in talking to children about gun violence & understanding our new security tool:
SAFE & SOUND SCHOOLS
- Talking About School Safety with your Young Children > https://safeandsoundschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Talking-About-School-Safety-With-Your-Young-Child.pdf NEMOURS KidsHealth
- Talking to Kids About Gun Violence > https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/talk-about-guns.html
NATIONAL CHILD TRAUMATIC STRESS NETWORK
Age-Related Reactions To A Traumatic Event > https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/age_related_reactions_to_traumatic_events.pdf
HARDWIRE ERS RESOURCES
- Training video > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyuU8-cYpqc
- Talking points > https://hardwirellc.com/pages/take-action
- ERS FAQ > https://hardwirellc.com/blogs/newsroom/hardwire-emergency-response-shield-faq
STEP 6: Inform Students
- Host a student information assembly OR have each teacher or counselor review the lesson plan during a dedicated time.
- Share what is expected for the use of the shields per age.
- Elementary & Middle School = adult use only
- High School = adult & student use as appropriate
- Have a discussion and answer questions. Reiterate the saying: If you see something, say something.
RESOURCES FOR SPEAKING WITH KIDS
SAFE & SOUND SCHOOLS
- Talking About School Safety with your Young Children > https://safeandsoundschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Talking-About-School-Safety-With-Your-Young-Child.pdf
NEMOURS KidsHealth
- Talking to Kids About Gun Violence > https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/talk-about-guns.html
NATIONAL CHILD TRAUMATIC STRESS NETWORK
- Age-Related Reactions To A Traumatic Event > https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/age_related_reactions_to_traumatic_events.pdf
ERS FAQ
What does it stop?
The Steel Level 3+ ERS stops ammunition from handguns, shotguns, blunt force weapons, and rifles. Essentially, this ERS will stop any ammunition an active shooter would use from a handgun shotgun, or AR/AK.
Is it big enough?
A lot of engineering has been put into the size of this shield to optimize it for everyday users. Shooters typically aim for the center of mass (torso) and what they see most easily. The ERS is 4 times larger than the body armor that police officers wear and it covers the vital torso area. The size balances coverage while also ensuring that the shield isn’t too heavy to use. It also can fit easily through doorways. You need enough body coverage but you also need to be able to move with it. The shield has been designed with all of those elements in mind.
Will I get thrown backwards if I am hit?
No! Don’t let Hollywood fool you. The force from the bullet will be dispersed through the shield as the projectile is stopped. This goes back to physics' first principle – conservation of momentum. Since the weight of the shield is more than the weight of the gun, the force (kick) you feel in the shield will be less than the kick of the gun.
It’s heavy, how am I expected to use this?
We know it is not light, but it stops bullets. It's the weight of 3 gallons of water. In an emergency, adrenaline is running high. Most able-bodied adults will be able to utilize the shield under these circumstances. Remember, you don’t need to hold it for hours. You just need to grab it and respond quickly.
How is it used?
First, we recommend the Dept. of Homeland Security’s response protocol, Run, Hide, Fight”. If you can get away from danger safely, first, run. If you cannot escape, hide. Cover windows, lock doors, and stay out of the line of sight. However, if you are faced with the assailant and have no other options, fight to disable the shooter. This is when the shield comes into play most effectively. Grab the shield. Position yourself in an athletic, bent-knee stance. Protect your students or others around you by having them stand behind you (and the shield). Disable the assailant by rushing them with the shield, ramming into them, and knocking the weapon out of their hand. The unfortunate reality is that if you have no other option but to die or fight for your life, you will be very glad to have this tool. See our training video for a full tutorial and simulation for a visual understanding.
- ERS Simulation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEZNpt2g3Ws
- ERS School Training Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dasCo7WKPM
- ERS School Training Video + DHS Run, Hide, Fight Protocol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyuU8-cYpqc
OTHER RESOURCES USED FOR ACTIVE SHOOTER RESPONSE
- Dept. Homeland Security “Run. Hide. Fight.” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0
- ALERRT’s “Avoid. Deny. Defend” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0It68YxLQQ
- Dept. Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Response Booklet: https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf
How do I install the ERS?
See the following resources for further instructions.
- Installation Instruction PDF: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0172/4101/4372/files/ERS_INSTALLATION_INSTRUCTIONS_5.2023.pdf?v=1688665592
- Installation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izynJa9_HHg
There are shields installed in my school, now what?
Listed here are resources that can be used to train and educate your staff and students. Following Hardwire's Training Manual steps helps to implement this product most effectively.
- ERS School Training Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dasCo7WKPM
- ERS School Training Video + DHS Run, Hide, Fight Protocol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyuU8-cYpqc .
How do we talk to students children about the shields in an appropriate way? Won't this scare children?
We’ve conducted surveys across several schools that have implemented the ERS. Data shows that most children either did not notice the ERS or were glad to have it in their school. Treat it like a fire extinguisher a tool to help in an emergency. Clear communication and education of that message help! Children tend to be afraid of what they do not understand or the unknown. Understandably talking to children will help children feel safer. Also, informing parents about the school safety tools available in their community will help parents speak with their children in effective ways. Below are some resources created by experts to help you learn more about approaching the topic of gun violence with children.
PARENT RESOURCES
- Talking to Kids About Gun Violence | https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/talk-about-guns.html
- Talking About School Safety With Your Young Children | https://safeandsoundschools.org/wpcontent/uploads/2020/04/Talking-About-School-Safety-With-Your-Young-Child.pdf
- Age-Related Reactions To A Traumatic Event | https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/age_related_reactions_to_traumatic_events.pdf
SCHOOL RESOURCES
- Planning & Preparedness Toolkit | https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/05/Planning-and-Preparation-Safe-And-Sound-Schools.pdf
- Supporting Children & Students Toolkit | https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/05/Supporting-Children-and-Students-Safe-And-Sound-Schools.pdf
- Standard Response Protocol | https://iloveuguys.org/standard-response-protocol/
SCANNABLE RESOURCES
PARENT RESOURCES
SCHOOL RESOURCES
Documents / Resources
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HARDWIRE INS-3003-A Emergency Response
Shield
[pdf] Owner's Manual
INS-3003-A Emergency Response Shield, INS-3003-A, Emergency Response Shield,
Response Shield, Shield
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