There's only one real sure fire way to get rid of raccoons, and it probably will work in getting rid of other wildlife that is hanging around your home. Read and find out how you can try other ways.

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[edit] Steps

Check the areas around your home and clean up all the garbage, paper, food, berries that fell from trees. Totally clean the area. After it's spotless, walk around your home again and do a double check.
Purchase metal garbage cans with lids that stay tight and stay attached.
Place heavy weights on the lids when there is garbage, food or water in these trash cans.
Keep the cans smelling clean by washing them out with the hose every so often. Tip them upside down so they don't store water for mosquitoes or for raccoons to drink. Other things to consider include:
- Always place garbage inside the cans and replace lids immediately or the raccoons and bears will smell your food from afar and come to eat out of your trash cans.
- Make sure that any picnic tables and chairs (or anything else outside) do not have even a crumb on them when you retire for the night.
- Store the trash cans indoors or in the garage or somewhere inside if you are gone for a long time or if you see animals around in the neighborhood.
- If you have meat or very tempting food in the trash, always double plastic bag it before throwing it away in the cans and put a little bleach or strong cleanser on the bag outside before depositing it in the can.
- Even the most spotless area can provide one more thing raccoons need; shelter. Raccoons, individuals or families, tend to have several nests within their territories. If you discover evidence of a nest in your attic or a sheltered area around your home (under your deck, for example), you can try making the nest area inhospitable by placing bright lights, noise (a waterproof radio, for instance) and ammonia-scented rags in order to make the raccoons feel insecure. Don't confront the raccoon yourself under any circumstances, especially a mother with little ones. If all else fails, call in a professional.

[edit] Tips

Having a dog indoors might help too, having him outdoors in the daytime also (watch your dog carefully, even though his barking might scare some wildlife, you don't want your dog being a target of bigger wildlife like a bear). Never leave your dog tied up outdoors unattended, ever.
Remember that even a bird feeder with sunflower seeds might be tempting to a raccoon. Put your bird feeders out of their reach and store seed in metal trash cans.
Check the wildlife books and camping books for hints on how to avoid contact with wildlife and raccoons.
Remember the bottom line: If you leave food and water or either around, or even leave the hose dripping water, you will most always find wildlife hanging around your home. So , keep it clean, keep it spotless and you'll be raccoon free.
If all else fails, you can call your local animal control board for more information about what might be effective in your area. Traps are one option.
Make sure there are no easy entrances to your attic (flimsy or missing soffit, etc.)

[edit] Warnings

Raccoons can be scared away by flashing a light on them or making a loud noise. Trying to approach or trap them can be dangerous.
Raccoon diseases -
Rabies
Raccoons are classified as a rabies vector species, along with foxes, skunks, and bats.
Roundworm
Baylisascaris procyonis in raccoons is well-documented, and the parasite is a public health concern. The parasite is transmitted through the ingestion of eggs passed in feces. These can be ingested or inhaled.
Leptospirosis
Raccoons are capable of carrying and transmitting this disease.
Distemper
This disease is similar to rabies and can also affect some pets. However, it does not pose a threat to humans. Contact your veterinarian to discuss any concerns, and make sure that your pets are vaccinated annually against this and other diseases.
Be sure your state/county does not have a law prohibiting you from killing the animal. Some states, like NJ, have laws that protect rodents from in-humane capture/treatment/death. Check with your state's ASPCA first before attempting the method above. Otherwise, you will be fined and/or jailed for doing so.