LPT: If you suspect someone is in an emergency (disaster, medical emergency...), don't call them to check. Call the person they are likely to tell first.

If there is an incident, such as the recent shooter event or you hear rumours about a friend being in an accident or something, don't call them. You'll not be the only one, and most likely, they have better things to do than answer the phone. Call whoever is likely to actually know, such as spouse, parent, best friend and so on instead.

Also, once you know, if need be, call your common friends and tell them, or post on social media.

Help lighten the load of spreading emergency news, instead of increasing it.