Step 1: Download the App
SupplyScout is available for both iOS and Android devices. Choose your platform below:
Find SupplyScout in Your App Store
Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for "SupplyScout".
Tap Install
Download and install the app. This usually takes 1-2 minutes depending on your connection.
Grant Permissions
When you first open the app, SupplyScout will guide you through a short setup:
- Location: Required to find nearby stores. Choose "While Using the App" or "Always."
- Notifications: Recommended so you receive disaster alerts and supply updates.
You can adjust these permissions later in your device settings.
Interactive Tutorial
First-time users see a brief interactive walkthrough that highlights key features: the supply filter, map pins, reporting buttons, and the menu. Follow the on-screen arrows to learn where everything is.
Step 2: Create Your Account
You'll need an account to report supplies and save preferences. Account creation is quick and free.
Launch the App
Open SupplyScout and you'll see the map. Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to access settings, where you can sign up or log in.
Sign Up or Log In
You have three ways to create an account:
- Email & Password: Enter your email and choose a password. You'll receive a confirmation email to verify your account.
- Sign in with Google: Tap the Google button for one-tap account creation using your Google account.
- Sign in with Apple: Tap the Apple button (iOS only) to create an account using your Apple ID. You can choose to hide your email.
Verify Your Email
If you signed up with email, check your inbox for a verification link from SupplyScout. Click the link to confirm your email address. Google and Apple sign-in accounts are verified automatically.
Step 3: Your First Steps
Explore the Map
After signing in, you'll see the main map view showing stores in your area. Colored pins represent different store types. Tap any pin to see store details and community supply reports.
Pin Colors: Different colors represent store types — check the map legend (bottom-right corner) for details
Supply Status: Reports show items as In Stock, Low, or Out of Stock with timestamps
Store Status: Stores can be marked as Open, Closed, Limited Hours, or Power Out
Find Your First Supply
Use the filter bar at the top of the map to filter stores by supply type. Select a category like 'Ice,' 'Propane,' or 'Gasoline' from the dropdown to see only stores with those reports.
Tap a Store
Tap any store on the map to see detailed information about available supplies. You'll see a popup with:
- Store name and address
- Current supply reports with status and timestamps
- Store status (Open, Closed, etc.)
- Buttons to report supplies or store status
Report Supplies (Optional but Helpful!)
See supplies at a store? Help the community by reporting them! Tap the 'Supply' button on any store's info card, select a supply category, set the availability level, and submit.
Quick Orientation Tips
Essential Features
- Filter Bar: Use the dropdown at the top to filter the map by supply type
- Map Legend: Tap the legend icon in the bottom-right to see what each pin color means
- Add a Store: Long-press anywhere on the map to add a store that's missing
- Settings: Tap the gear icon in the top-right to manage your account, search radius, and preferences
What's Next?
Congratulations! You're now ready to use SupplyScout. Here are your next steps:
Common Issues
Location Permission Not Working
Make sure you've granted SupplyScout permission to access your location. Go to your device settings > App Permissions > SupplyScout > Location and ensure it's set to "Always" or "While Using."
Email Verification Not Arriving
Check your spam folder. If you still don't see the verification email after 5 minutes, contact support at contact@supplyscout.org
Can't Find Stores Near Me
SupplyScout covers over 312,000 store locations across the United States, from major chains to local shops. If your area has limited coverage, you can add stores by long-pressing the map so other community members can use them too!