Make arrangements for pets. Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact local humane society for information on local animal shelters. Make sure all family members know how to respond after a hurricane. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.
Permanent shutters are the best protection.
A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm. Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.