The Outer Banks are a chain of islands off the coast of North Carolina that protect the mainland from hurricanes. The islands have been damaged by huge storms, including one that split Hatteras Island in two. Many ships have sunk in storms in the area, earning it the name "The Graveyard of the Atlantic." In the 1870s, lifesaving stations were established along the Outer Banks, and elite crews would rescue people stranded on grounded ships, bundling the cold victims in blankets despite difficult conditions. Now, the islands attract thousands of tourists each year who appreciate their natural beauty.

2. 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.

3. critical (adjective)
“Rescue workers can provide critical, or vital, aid when
a hurricane strikes” (Journeys, p. 222).
Definition: extremely important
Different forms: critically (adverb)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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

13. 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.