There is not much you can do to prepare for flooding. It is usually not practical to raise the level of an existing house, though it can be done. It is practical for you and your neighbors to keep the storm drains and curbs free of debris, to look into flood insurance and be prepared to evacuate if asked. My grade school principal was Sister Mary Grace. I think her favorite word must have been projectile.
Hurricanes are also fond of launching projectiles.
Much of the wind damage is not caused by the moving air but by things blown by the air. This is a good time to make sure none of those projectiles belong to you. Now is the time to secure shutters, gutters, wood piles and things that will remain outside during a storm. Make a checklist of things to take in when a hurricane watch is issued. Things like toys, garden tools, pet dishes, bird feeders, bird baths, flower pots, lawn furniture and even antennas can cause a lot of damage if they are blown against someone's house.