Contact the local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters. Learn safe routes inland. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Permanent shudders 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. Check into flood insurance.