Subject: Leaving early. Hi [Manager], I have an emergency at home, a burst pipe, and need to leave now to deal with it; urgent bits handed off first. Thanks, [Name].
By email
How to Email Your Boss About A home emergency
When your workplace expects things in writing, a short email about a home emergency keeps a clear record. Put the key facts up front.
Say what you need, briefly
A leak, flood or break-in can't wait. Say you have an emergency at home and need to leave to handle it, with a time.
Structure it as a short email
In an email, lead with a plain subject line, put the day and leaving time in the first line, add one line on how your work is covered, and keep a courteous sign-off. An email should be shorter than a chat message, not longer.
Example messages
Subject: Leaving early. Hi [Manager], There's an urgent problem at home and I need to head out by [time]; I'll stay reachable for anything urgent. Thanks, [Name].
Subject: Leaving early. Hi [Manager], A home emergency has come up and I have to leave shortly; I'll follow up once it's under control. Thanks, [Name].
Mistakes to avoid
Don't write a long paragraph or bury the ask. Put the day and leaving time in the first line so it's seen at a glance.
Build my message
Free, multilingual, and your details stay in your browser.
This page shares wording ideas, not legal or HR advice. Follow your own employer's time-off policy.
Common questions
How much detail is needed?
Very little. An emergency at home is a complete reason.
Email or a quick message?
Use email where a written record is expected; a chat message is fine elsewhere.