FEMA testing refers to the nationwide test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) that is conducted by FEMA in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) . The test is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the FEMA public alert and warning systems to distribute an emergency message to the public in case of a national emergency. The test is conducted by sending test messages to all TVs, radios, and cell phones across the country via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), radio and television via the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and other communication pathways. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. The test is usually conducted once a year, and the results are evaluated to improve the systems effectiveness.