+1 on the Lacrosse charger and Eneloop strategy, that or the Maha model cited should go a long way to restoring your rechargables.

I do confess that I will not rely entirely on rechargeables in an emergency, although I have several means (solar, auto, local power inverter) to recharge cells without a power source. I also buy a 32 pack of alkaline AAs every year, and use these for incidental uses along the way. If I lost power tomorrow, I have about 28 AAs to rely on without dedicating any thought to a recharging strategy. For $8 its a reasonable insurance of sorts. It may not be entirely environmentally sound, but I do use the NiMHs on an every day basis.