The City of Kankakee is taking steps to ensure “The Haunted Factory” annual fundraiser is a safe experience for the public in the future, notifying the President of the Board for ACERE instructing the non-profit to suspend any activities until further notice.
“The Haunted Factory” an annual fundraiser for the American Center for Emergency Response and Education (ACERE) a non-profit organization that owns the former General Foods Building, located at 980 N. Hobbie in Kankakee. The City reports sprinkler systems and fire alarms are currently being installed at the location.
Country Herald reached out to the City earlier this afternoon to question the asbestos situation at the building.
“The City has been working with the State Fire Marshal, and a report has not come back yet. Until all reports are complete, any activity and all events have been suspended until further notice. Public safety is our number one priority.” says City of Kankakee Marketing and Communication representative Jasmine Humble.
Asbestos exposure has been known to cause several types of cancers and diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. While there is no asbestos ban in the United States, federal laws like the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) create strict restrictions on its use.
The first scheduled weekend of activities for the annual fundraiser was October 11th & 12th. No timeline was set on the return of the reports. To stay up to date with the latest news from The Haunted Factory, follow them on Facebook here.
