The best time to have shutters installed is when the house is in the process of being built, so that the shutters can be incorporated into the design of the home. If you own a house without shutters have them installed as soon as is practical. Keep in mind that the beginning of hurricane season may be a busy time for most installation companies. Do NOT wait until a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area.
When a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area check all mechanisms and hardware, and install the more difficult shutters. If you live in an evacuation zone, it will take 2 or 3 hours to complete your shutter installation, you may want to start during the Watch phase. If you are not in an evacuation zone you should time your installation early in the Warning phase so that you are not struggling with panels during high winds.