diff --git a/code/game/machinery/shieldgen.dm b/code/game/machinery/shieldgen.dm
index a7d857844a..fbfbe61c0f 100644
--- a/code/game/machinery/shieldgen.dm
+++ b/code/game/machinery/shieldgen.dm
@@ -10,10 +10,11 @@
 	max_integrity = 200 //The shield can only take so much beating (prevents perma-prisons)
 	CanAtmosPass = ATMOS_PASS_DENSITY
 
-/obj/structure/emergency_shield/New()
-	src.setDir(pick(1,2,3,4))
-	..()
-	air_update_turf(1)
+/obj/structure/emergency_shield/Initialize()
+	. = ..()
+	setDir(pick(1,2,3,4))
+	setDir(pick(GLOB.cardinals))
+ 	air_update_turf(1)
 
 /obj/structure/emergency_shield/Destroy()
 	density = FALSE