Safety Apps Grow In Popularity

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A growing number of people are using smart phone apps for safety.

Jarrett Arthur, who has taught self-defense for more than a decade, now includes teaching people how to use their phones to help keep them safe.

"Lately I've been getting a lot of questions about safety apps," said Arthur.

Safety apps like b-Safe, Circle of 6 and Red Panic Button are among the growing number of apps designed to instantly alert friends or authorities if there's an emergency. Arthur likes the app "SafeTrek" which notifies the police of the phone's location as soon as a button is hit.

"I get hit, I get tackled, I have to fight back, I ditch my phone, then that call is being made and the signal is being made automatically to authorities," said Arthur.

Experts say a smart phone app should not be relied on as a sole means of protection.

"It's just one piece of the bigger safety and self-defense puzzle," said Arthur who adds the most important thing is to have a plan and the tools to protect yourself.

Many of the safety apps can be downloaded for free, though some offer premium features or subscriptions for an extra cost.