Abstract: A monitoring system has integrated exit signs, which preferably have electroluminescent elements. The signs connect to internal wiring of a building, but local power sources can provide emergency power if building power is lost. Controllers on the signs communicate with a central workstation using building wiring and/or wireless communication. The controllers have one or more automated features for monitoring operation of the exit signs and the surrounding environment. These automated components, including an intensity sensor, an ambient light sensor, a temperature sensor, a smoke detector, a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a motion detector, an RFID detector, and the like. Because the signs are widely distributed throughout the building, operators can get detailed information of the building environment, security, fire, smoke, temperature, etc. The exit signs can store this information locally and can communicate useful information using a communication link to the central workstation.