The Outer Banks

The chain of islands off North Carolina’s coast is called the

Outer Banks. The islands protect the mainland because of their

critical location in the path of many hurricanes. Huge storms

have demolished parts of the islands. One storm cut Hatteras

island in two! So many ships have sunk in storms there that the

area is called “The Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

In the 1870s, lifesaving stations were set up in the Outer

Banks. Elite crews, often secured to the shore by ropes, swam

out to grounded ships to rescue those aboard. They would

bundle the clammy victims, including children, in blankets. They

kept working through the commotion of wind, waves, and the

children’s squalling.

Not everyone reacts to the Outer Banks’ winds with

annoyance. Today, a realization of the islands’ beauty attracts

thousands of tourists each yet.

critical (adjective)

“Rescue workers can provide critical, or vital, aid when a hurricane strikes” (Journeys, p. 222).

Definition: extremely important

Different forms: critically (adverb)

demolish (verb)“These people returned to search the ruins of their home after a tornado demolished it” (Journeys, p. 222)

Definition: to destroy; to forcefully tear down or take apart; to damage something so that it cannot be repaired

Different forms: demolishes; demolished; demolishing; demolition (noun)

elite (adjective)

“Medals for bravery are given to an elite group of the best and most skilled lifeguards” (Journeys, p. 222)

Definition: most successful or powerful group from among a larger group

Different forms: elite (noun); elites (plural noun)

commotion (noun)

“Rescue dogs are trained to stay calm in spite of chaos and commotion” (Journeys, p. 222)

Definition: noisy excitement and confusion

Different forms: none

bundle (verb)

“Rescuers bundle, or wrap, injured skiers in blankets for warmth and to prevent shock” (Journeys, p. 222)

Definition: to fasten, tie, or wrap a group of things together

Different forms: bundles; bundled; bundling

annoyance (noun)

“During a fire, people who get too close can distract firefighters and cause them annoyance” (Journeys, p. 222)

Definition: slight anger, the feeling of being annoyed

Different forms: annoyances (plural noun); annoy (verb); annoys (verb); annoying (verb)

secure (verb)

“In mountain rescues, one person is secured to another by safety fasteners” (Journeys, p. 223)

Definition: to put something in place so it will not move

Different forms: secures; secured; securing

squall (verb)

“The squalling of a child can lead rescuers to the frightened, crying victim” (Journeys, p. 223)

Definition: to cry loudly

Different forms: squalls; squalled; squalling

clammy (adjective)

“The protective clothing worn by firefighters can make them feel clammy and damp” (Journeys, p. 223)

Definition: unpleasantly wet and cold

Different forms: clamminess (noun)

realization (noun)

“The realization, or understanding, that rescuers save lives makes families proud” (Journeys, p. 223)

Definition: the state of understanding or becoming aware of something

Different forms: realizations (plural noun); realize; realizes; realized; realizing

The Outer Banks

The chain of islands off North Carolina’s coast is called the

Outer Banks. The islands protect the mainland because of their

critical location in the path of many hurricanes. Huge storms

have demolished parts of the islands. One storm cut Hatteras

island in two! So many ships have sunk in storms there that the

area is called “The Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

In the 1870s, lifesaving stations were set up in the Outer

Banks. Elite crews, often secured to the shore by ropes, swam

out to grounded ships to rescue those aboard. They would

bundle the clammy victims, including children, in blankets. They

kept working through the commotion of wind, waves, and the

children’s squalling.

Not everyone reacts to the Outer Banks’ winds with

annoyance. Today, a realization of the islands’ beauty attracts

thousands of tourists each yet.