A method executed by a processor of a monitoring and control system, the method to receive input indicating occupancy state of a designated area, or a plurality of areas therein or portions thereof. The method further receives, from one or more of a plurality of sensing capable devices of, or in communication with, the monitoring and control system, input indicating a respective event, the sensing capable devices situated within the designated area, or in one or more of the plurality of areas therein, or portions thereof. Based on the respective event and occupancy state of the designated area, the method selects an action to be taken with a device in the designated area or one or more of the plurality of areas therein or portions thereof.