KINGSTON, Jamaica — Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake says the country’s security force is well advanced in terms of its preparations for Hurricane Matthew, which local forecasters say is expected to hit the island Sunday night.

“We want to assure the country that Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is far advanced in our preparation for this hurricane. Our hurricane standard orders have been activated across all parishes. Already, we have sent out instruction for all divisions to nominate an officer to the respective parish disaster committees,” Blake said yesterday at an emergency meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister, which was called to discuss preparations for the cyclone.

Blake said plans have also been activated with respect to possible flooding and looting.

“Traditionally, when we have these kinds of disasters, there are some communities and areas that are prone to looting. We have activated our plans as we are mindful of break-ins and associated crimes which normally occur at this time. We have also activated our security plans in terms of vital installations on government buildings,” Blake added.