How do you get rid of raccoons?

about 10 minutes ago, I saw a raccoon on my balcony. My husband and I was watching tv and we had the curtain/blinds to the balcony open. Out of nowhere I spotted a creature peering in at us. At first I thought it was a big cat, but when it showed its whole body I realized it was a raccoon. I was so scared because I've never liked raccoons. I've seen a lot of raccoons around my apartment comple, but seeing one up close definitely scared me. I had to run to my room while my husband tried to shoo it away, even he was scared. The raccoon wasnt effected however, nomatter what my husband did, even pounding on the glass door it didnt go away. It kept looking at us until my husband gave up and closed the blinds. I'm really scared now. My balcony is clean, I dont have anything out there not even dog food, so I dont know whats attracting it. I'm afraid that its going to come back from now on. How am I going to leave my blinds open? Most importantly, how am I going to get rid of it if it does come back. Pleae help!