Unexpected situations happen without warning. From sudden illnesses and family emergencies to personal crises, these moments need quick action, including telling your workplace about your absence. Writing a proper emergency leave email might feel hard when you’re already dealing with stress.
These carefully crafted emergency leave email samples will help you communicate professionally with your employer during difficult times. Each example shows the right way to explain your situation while maintaining workplace etiquette. Here’s how to write emergency leave emails that get approved.
Emergency Leave Email Samples
These practical examples of emergency leave emails cover various situations you might face at work.
1. Medical Emergency – Self
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Hospitalization
Dear Mr. Patterson,
This email is to inform you that I need to take emergency leave starting today. I was admitted to City General Hospital last night with severe chest pain and breathing difficulties. The doctors want to run several tests and have advised at least three days of observation.
I understand this comes at short notice, but my condition requires immediate medical attention. I’ve briefed Sarah about the ongoing client project, and she can handle the presentations scheduled for this week. I’ll keep you updated about my recovery and expected return date.
I can be reached on my mobile if anything urgent comes up.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Michael Chen
2. Family Medical Emergency
Subject: Urgent Leave Request – Father’s Sudden Illness
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I’m writing to request emergency leave starting tomorrow. My father suffered a stroke this evening and has been rushed to Memorial Hospital. As his primary caregiver, I need to be there to make medical decisions and support my family during this critical time.
I expect to be away for 4-5 days, depending on his condition and the doctors’ assessment. I’ve already completed the monthly reports due this week and shared them with the team. Tom has agreed to cover my client calls during my absence.
I’ll check my emails regularly and can be contacted on my cell phone for any urgent matters.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards, David Thompson
3. Child’s Medical Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave – Child Hospitalized
Dear Mrs. Watson,
I need to take emergency leave starting immediately. My daughter Emma was just admitted to Children’s Hospital with a high fever and severe allergic reaction. The doctors are running tests to determine the cause.
I may need 2-3 days off, but I’ll provide updates as soon as I know more about her condition. I’ve asked Julie to handle my ongoing tasks, and she has the necessary files and information to proceed with the project.
You can reach me on my mobile phone if needed.
Thank you for your support during this family emergency.
Best wishes, Rachel Greene
4. Death in Family
Subject: Bereavement Leave Request – Immediate Family Member
Dear Mr. Johnson,
It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you about the sudden passing of my mother last night. I need to take emergency leave to travel to Boston for the funeral arrangements and to support my family during this difficult time.
I anticipate being away for one week, starting tomorrow. I’ve prepared detailed handover notes for my current projects and shared them with the team. Mark will lead the client meetings scheduled for this week.
I’ll remain reachable by phone for any urgent matters that require my input.
Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.
Sincerely, Amanda Martinez
5. Personal Accident
Subject: Emergency Leave Required – Car Accident
Dear Dr. Williams,
I’m writing to request emergency leave following a car accident this morning. While I’m thankfully not seriously injured, I sustained minor injuries that require immediate medical attention and rest as advised by the emergency room doctor.
Based on the medical assessment, I’ll need 3-4 days to recover. I’ve already contacted my team members and delegated my responsibilities. All urgent deliverables for this week have been reassigned.
I’ll be available on my phone if any critical issues arise.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Robert Kim
6. Home Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – House Flooding
Dear Ms. Anderson,
I’m requesting emergency leave today due to severe flooding in my home caused by a burst water pipe. The situation requires my immediate attention to prevent further damage and coordinate with emergency plumbing services.
I expect to need 2 days to handle this crisis and ensure my home is safe and habitable. I’ve already informed my team and shared important files for the ongoing project. Steve will handle my presentations scheduled for tomorrow.
I’ll be checking emails periodically and can be reached on my cell phone.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards, Jennifer Blake
7. Family Crisis
Subject: Urgent Leave Request – Family Emergency
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I need to request emergency leave starting this afternoon. My elderly grandmother, who lives alone, has fallen and broken her hip. She needs immediate assistance with hospital admission and care arrangements.
I anticipate needing 3 days to help stabilize her situation and arrange for proper care. I’ve updated the project timeline and shared it with the team. Lisa will cover my responsibilities during my absence.
I’ll remain available via phone for any urgent matters.
Thank you for your support.
Best regards, Sarah Wilson
8. Mental Health Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Personal Health Matter
Dear Mrs. Clark,
I’m writing to request emergency leave for the next three days. I’m experiencing severe anxiety attacks and my doctor has strongly advised immediate rest and medical attention.
During my absence, I’ve arranged for Kevin to handle my current projects. All necessary documents and information have been shared with him to ensure smooth continuation of work.
I will check messages once daily and can be contacted by phone if absolutely necessary.
Thank you for your understanding and discretion in this matter.
Regards, James Peterson
9. Pet Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Pet Medical Emergency
Dear Ms. Turner,
I’m writing to request emergency leave for today. My service dog Max has had a severe allergic reaction and requires immediate veterinary care. As he’s essential for my daily functioning, this situation needs my urgent attention.
I expect to return to work tomorrow, depending on his condition. I’ve already completed today’s deliverables and shared them with the team. Any urgent matters can be directed to Alex during my absence.
I’ll be available on my mobile phone if needed.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best wishes, Daniel Wright
10. Travel Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave – Stranded Due to Flight Cancellation
Dear Mr. Reynolds,
I’m requesting emergency leave as my return flight from Seattle has been cancelled due to severe weather conditions. The next available flight is in two days.
I’ll need to take these two additional days off until I can return. I’ve already contacted my team and arranged for remote work where possible. Sam will handle the in-person meetings scheduled for tomorrow.
I have my laptop and will be available via email and phone.
Thank you for your understanding of this situation.
Kind regards, Michelle Chang
11. Emergency Home Repairs
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Critical Home Repairs
Dear Dr. Stevens,
I need to request emergency leave today as my home’s electrical system has completely failed, creating a safety hazard. The electrician requires my presence while addressing this urgent situation.
I expect this will take 1-2 days to resolve. I’ve briefed Ryan about my current projects and shared all necessary files. He will handle any urgent matters during my absence.
I can be reached on my mobile phone if needed.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Christopher Lee
12. Family Member’s Surgery
Subject: Emergency Leave – Sister’s Urgent Surgery
Dear Ms. Phillips,
I’m writing to request emergency leave starting tomorrow morning. My sister needs an emergency appendectomy, and as her only family member nearby, I must be there to support her through the surgery and initial recovery.
I anticipate needing 2-3 days of leave. I’ve updated the team about ongoing projects and Maria has agreed to lead the client presentation scheduled for tomorrow.
I’ll be checking emails periodically and available by phone.
Thank you for your consideration during this family emergency.
Sincerely, Jessica Torres
13. Child Care Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Childcare Crisis
Dear Mr. Bennett,
I need to take emergency leave today as my regular childcare provider has been hospitalized and my backup care isn’t available on such short notice. I need time to arrange alternative childcare for my two young children.
I expect to need 2 days to make proper arrangements. I’ve shared all necessary project files with the team and briefed Paul about the upcoming client meeting.
I’ll be available via phone and email throughout the day.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Emily Foster
14. Weather Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Severe Weather Conditions
Dear Ms. Mitchell,
I’m requesting emergency leave today due to the severe flooding that has blocked all major routes to the office. My neighborhood is currently under evacuation warning.
I need today to secure my home and possibly relocate if the situation worsens. I’ve informed my team and shared instructions for today’s tasks. Karen will handle the team meeting scheduled for this afternoon.
I’ll remain available via phone and email.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards, Michael Ross
15. Legal Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Urgent Legal Matter
Dear Mr. Carter,
I’m writing to request emergency leave for tomorrow as I need to attend an urgent court hearing regarding my rental property. The notice arrived this morning requiring mandatory attendance.
I’ll need one full day to handle this matter. I’ve already completed my reports due this week and briefed Susan about ongoing project requirements.
I can be reached on my cell phone if anything urgent comes up.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best wishes, Patricia Murphy
16. Vehicle Breakdown
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Vehicle Emergency
Dear Mrs. Harrison,
I need to take emergency leave today as my car broke down on the highway while coming to work. The mechanic needs my authorization and presence for immediate repairs.
I expect this will take the full day to resolve. I’ve contacted my team and shared all necessary files for today’s work. Tom will cover my client calls scheduled for this afternoon.
I’ll be available on my phone and can access emails.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards, Andrew Wilson
17. Elderly Parent Care
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Parent Care Crisis
Dear Mr. Douglas,
I’m requesting emergency leave starting today. My father’s caregiver has quit without notice, leaving him without necessary medical assistance. I need to arrange immediate alternative care for him.
I anticipate needing 2 days to make new care arrangements. I’ve updated the project timeline and shared it with the team. Mark will handle my responsibilities during my absence.
I’ll be checking emails regularly and available by phone.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Laura Chen
18. Public Transportation Crisis
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Transit Strike
Dear Ms. Henderson,
I need to request emergency leave today due to the sudden public transit strike. As this is my only means of transportation to work, and ride-sharing services are overwhelmed, I have no way to reach the office.
I expect to need today to arrange alternative transportation for tomorrow. I’ve prepared to work remotely and have informed my team. All my meetings have been converted to virtual format.
I’ll be available online throughout regular business hours.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards, Robert Taylor
19. Medical Test Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Urgent Medical Tests
Dear Dr. Martinez,
I’m writing to request emergency leave for tomorrow morning. My doctor called requiring immediate follow-up tests based on recent lab results that showed concerning values.
I’ll need half a day to complete these urgent tests. I’ve arranged for Sarah to cover my morning meetings, and I plan to return for the afternoon sessions.
I can be reached on my mobile phone if needed.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best wishes, Katherine Wong
20. Personal Safety Emergency
Subject: Emergency Leave Request – Home Security Issue
Dear Mr. Fisher,
I need to take emergency leave today due to a break-in attempt at my home last night. I must meet with law enforcement and security contractors to address this safety concern immediately.
I expect to need 1-2 days to handle this situation. I’ve briefed my team about current projects and shared necessary files. John will lead today’s scheduled presentations.
I’ll be available via phone for urgent matters.
Thank you for your consideration during this difficult situation.
Sincerely, William Parker
Closing Tips: Writing Effective Emergency Leave Emails
Writing good emergency leave emails needs clear communication and professionalism, even during stressful situations. These examples show how to strike the right balance between explaining your emergency while keeping the message professional and solution-focused. Make your message brief but complete, add your availability details, and include your work coverage plans. This approach helps maintain good workplace relationships while dealing with personal emergencies.