Hardened hurricane veteran here... Been hit by more hurricanes than I care to remember (back in Fl - 2004 we were hit by 5 consecutively).
Best advice?
Don't Panic!
If they say "voluntary evacuation" stay home - you likely have more food than the shelter - just make sure you store some water (we keep some frozen in the bottom of our freezer in FL, which serves as ice during power outages, and water thereafter) and ration it thereafter. Might find yourself needing to capture and BOIL water after the storm.
If they do say "Mandatory" evacuation get the heck out of dodge.... Travel to a relatives house outside of the projected path. No relatives? Find a hotel, save your receipts you MIGHT be able to get fema to reimburse you for legit expenses related to a mandatory evacuation.
Don't wade into standing water - its a good way to get sick (what do you think happens to the turds in the neighbors improperly installed septic system?), or worse (electrocution). I have had to wade through chest deep water to escape a storm once... Its unpleasant... Cary clean dry clothes with you in garbage bags... doubled ziplocks will help protect your electronics.
If water starts coming into your yard, make sure your car is on the highest part.
If your wife is freaking out, better to take her someplace where she feels safe... They don't tend to let that stuff go, even if you end up being OK on the other side. I know someone who sent their wife on without them... House was fine (as expected) but in her emotionally compromised state in conjunction with the horrible conditions she got into a car accident and spent the storm unconcious in the car... She ended up being ok.
So long as your yards are clear of debris (chairs + lawn furniture tied up or in the garage, no down branches, or sticks that could later turn into missiles) the wind at this point probably won't be much of a problem. Cat 1 is pretty weak. Most of the damage will be due to the storm surge, or possibly flooding in low lying areas.
Have an elderly neighbor? Make sure you call her, or drop in to make sure she's doing alright. Sometimes there are little things that you can do, that they cannot, that can save their lives. If they are oxygen dependent when you call in to report the power outage, mention that and they will make your neighborhood a priority (though it could still take a week).
pay attention to the radio, if the water system becomes contaminated that might be the only way to find out... you do have batteries right?
hmm
thats all I can think of off the top of my head. OH taping windows is pointless. It won't stop debris from coming in through the window, but it will ensure the pieces of glass that get blown into your house, at you, are larger (a bad thing).
Most importantly - pray a lot
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. This is good advice under any circumstances.
By Taping I mean making the big X's on the windows with duct tape that you always used to see people doing on TV.
If you do have a window break, putting up a piece of plywood in the middle of the storm can be hazardous to you - might give you the opportunity to experience what its like to be a kite in the storm.
Dimensional lumber (2 x 4, or whatever you have handy) can be installed much more safely. Better to put up plywood before the storm however.