Several smaller-magnitude aftershocks followed.
Earthquakes are nothing new in Coalinga.
The locals say the city shakes at least once a year.
But the one that hit last night was stronger than usual.
"It rode pretty good...I was surprised how long it lasted...It sort of hit, slowed down and then went strong again."
The quake was a 5.3.
It centered along the San Andreas fault line, roughly 30 miles away from Coalinga.
Fire captain Keith Krider says around here it felt like a 4.
"It felt a little different than our usual earthquakes out here."
Different, but not enough to cause any damage.
Clintwood Robancho says he was closing the Chevron when the store started shaking.
"Everything was just shifting like this...It wasn't violent...It was just like a swift movement the whole time."
Nathan Nazworth was also in the store...
He didn't think much of it because he's used to it.
"They happen pretty often...Back in the 80's is when the big one happened."
Everyone in town remembers that one...
It happened in 1983 and it was a 6.4...
It destroyed buildings, homes and hurt dozens of people.
The city rebuilt to stand through another big one.
"A lot of the structures fell down but the majority of them are up to code and earthquake safe."
And out here where the earth constantly shakes, last night was just another reminder of what could happen.
Coalinga police officers say there were a lot of phone calls when the quake hit, mostly from concerned citizens wondering if everything was ok.
Last night's quake also serves as a reminder to be prepared...
The American Red Cross says in the event of an earthquake, to drop, cover your head, and hold on.
If you're in bed... Stay there, curl up, and cover your head.
Officials say you should also stay indoors until it's safe to exit... And when you do, to make sure there is no falling debris.
But being prepared is now much easier.
A new app for your smart phone by the american red cross gives you up to date information on earthquakes in your area.
It also has information on what you should do before, during, and after an earthquake.
Just go to your app store and do a search for 'American Red Cross.'
TXT 24
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