** My window A/C's have open vents on top to the outside **
I've never see a window a/c with louver vents on the *top* of the cabinet. Are you sure you're not installing it sideways??
** do I need to put them under something to keep falling dirt and water from getting inside? **
Any part of an air condition designed to be outdoors will survive whatever Mother Nature can through at it (within reason) without any special precautions needed by the consumer. So the answer to your question should be NO... unless stated otherwise in the unit's owner's manual.