THE Murwillumbah SES has recovered from last week's flood chaos and is ready to roll out again if the weather deteriorates.

Controller Chris Chrisostomos said the SES had reconditioned all boats, vehicles and chainsaws on Sunday.

"We're all on stand-down now and waiting for the next rain to hit," Mr Chrisostomos said.

"This morning we had trees down at Upper Burringbar but it's settled down a lot now the weather has cleared."

The Murwillumbah unit is in desperate need of administration staff to free up able-bodied volunteers who could be better utilised in the field.

Mr Chrisostomos said while the unit was always looking for volunteers, his immediate need was 10 administration staff.

"I need people with computer skills, they don't have to be fit, but it's an important job, taking down all the details and noting when the job has been completed," he said.

"I don't want to tie up physically-fit people that could be out rescuing people from roofs."

Mr Chrisostomos said the SES could take volunteers as young as 16.

"Anyone retired we'd love to hear from in administration and anyone who is 16 years of age or older can help us out on weekends and school holidays," he said.

"If they live in Murwillumbah, we'd like to hear from them."

The Murwillumbah SES was responsible for about a dozen flood rescues last week, all due to people driving into floodwaters.

Mr Chrisostomos said people often didn't realise the amount of manpower that gets tied up in avoidable emergencies.

"People keep driving through closed roads and flooded roads," Mr Chrisostomos said.

"When they call Triple Zero, all emergency crews are tasked including police and the Volunteer Rescue Association, because we don't always know the extent of what we're going to.

"All these rescue personnel go flying down there because someone's got into trouble.

"It ties up all those resources."

Mr Chrisostomos said people living in areas at risk of isolation should make sure they're able to be self-sufficient for at least seven days.

"We had a lot of calls for food supplies, in just the three days that people were isolated," he said.

"If there's a flood warning and you're in an isolated position, and you know you're going to need access to medication or a hospital, or you're low on food, get out of there before it floods.

"Think ahead, be prepared, it's common sense.

"Just because you call 132 500 doesn't mean we can get to you, the chopper can't go everywhere."