Using Smartphone Apps For Safety

A growing number of people are using smartphone apps for safety. From alarms to GPS tracking, the apps market is now flooded with programs designed to save you from an attacker.

Jarrett Arthur knows a thing or two about how to stay safe. For more than a decade, she's specialized in teaching self-defense, which now includes how to use your phone to help you stay safe.

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

Safety apps like B-Safe, Circle of 6, Red Panic Button and Guardly are among a growing number of programs designed to instantly alert authorities or friends if you have an emergency.

"I'm going to put my finger right on the button and now I'm walking to my car," Arthur demonstrated.

Arthur likes apps like Safetrek that notify police of your location when you hit a button.

"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," she said.

Cindy Yokoyama downloaded safety apps on her phone, for extra protection.

"If I was alone and not with my kids, I think I would feel comfortable having the safety app in one hand and using the other hand for safety," Yokoyama said.

But while your cell phone can be an ally, it often distracts people from what's happening around them and experts say it should not be relied on as a sole means of protection.

"That's one piece of the bigger safety and self-defense puzzle," Arthur said.

Arthur said the most important thing is to have a plan and the tools to protect yourself. Many safety apps can be downloaded for free, though some offer premium features or subscriptions for an extra cost.