BUXTON, N.C. — As a coastal storm makes its way to the Outer Banks, Buxton homeowners are working to protect their homes. One way that's being done is through contractors "sistering pilings," where new pilings are installed and connected to the original ones to help reinforce the home.

"This is where I played as a kid. I would ride my bike down here after school and fish and surf in these spots, " said Barry Crum, owner of Crum Works Inc.

Barry Crum isn't just any contractor. He grew up right here on Hatteras Island, and now he's using his skills to help neighbors who are facing a scary reality: the Atlantic Ocean threatening their homes.

"This house was built in the 70s. It met codes back then, but the ocean has taken a big chunk of the beach and scoured out under the pilings, and the

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